Synonyms of fateful

fateful

adjective

ˈfāt-fəl 

as in disastrous

bringing about ruin or misfortune

a fateful encounter with a confidence man that they would long regret

Synonyms & Similar Words

• disastrous
• fatal
• unfortunate
• catastrophic
• calamitous
• damning
• destructive
• ruinous
• apocalyptic
• adverse
• cataclysmal
• ill-fated
• luckless
• hapless
• damaging
• pernicious
• injurious
• harmful
• ill-starred
• detrimental
• baneful
• deleterious
• evil
• prejudicial
• hurtful
• noxious
• baleful
• ill

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• fortuitous
• happy
• fortunate
• lucky
• providential
• golden
• auspicious
• promising
• fair
• fluky
• propitious
• hopeful
• bright
• optimistic
• encouraging
• rosy
• heartening
• upbeat
• rose-colored

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective fateful differ from other similar words?

The words ominous and portentous are common synonyms of fateful. While all three words mean "having a menacing or threatening aspect," fateful suggests being of momentous or decisive importance.

the fateful conference that led to war

Where would ominous be a reasonable alternative to fateful?

Although the words ominous and fateful have much in common, ominous implies having a menacing, alarming character foreshadowing evil or disaster.

ominous rumblings from the volcano

When is it sensible to use portentous instead of fateful?

While the synonyms portentous and fateful are close in meaning, portentous suggests being frighteningly big or impressive but now seldom definitely connotes forewarning of calamity.

an eerie and portentous stillness

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of fateful

On that fateful morning, Siby was awakened by a frantic phone call from a co-worker’s wife and turned on his TV to see the North Tower engulfed in flames. — Faith Karimi, CNN Money, 6 Sep. 2026

Friday, on the other side of the country, marked the Hurricanes’ first opportunity since that fateful day to get back on the path toward pursuing a championship. — Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 5 Sep. 2026

Now, five years after colliding in that fateful dorm room, Tiny Habits have released their sophomore album, Keepers, out now. — Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 28 Aug. 2026

The film tells the story of that fateful match and the work the US team had to put in to get there. — Keith Langston, PEOPLE, 28 Aug. 2026