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

Knight treated the enthusiastic Annecy crowd to a look at the entire opening act of the film, introducing Prue Mckeel and her family in Portland as well as the events leading up to the fateful kidnapping of her brother. — Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 29 June 2026

One year after the explosion, neighbors on Bristol Street came together to celebrate with a block party and reflect on that fateful day. — Brandon Goldner, CBS News, 29 June 2026

Alcock and Gillespie discuss a fateful decision that Kara makes in the DC superhero movie as well as her changing dynamic with her cousin Clark Kent, aka Superman (David Corenswet). — Brian Truitt, USA Today, 27 June 2026

After some fateful encounters with people in the Everglades, namely folk artist Tom Gaskins and fifth-generation Floridian Oscar Thompson, Butcher went from being a swamp skeptic to one of the land’s biggest advocates. — Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 June 2026