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

The site of a fateful battle where the Anglo Texians lost to the Mexican army during the Texas Revolution, the Alamo holds a colossal place in the Texas psyche. — Matthew Choi, Washington Post, 1 Nov. 2026

Pinpointing the possible sites where Teghaza was launched by a giant impact on its fateful journey to Earth is a feat all its own, but the meteorite’s chemical composition shows something even more enlightening. — Mary Randolph, Scientific American, 29 Oct. 2026

District 210’s problems began with a fateful decision in the mid-2000s by Wyllie and the district to build two new high schools under the presumption of a population boom. — Gregory Royal Pratt, Chicago Tribune, 29 Oct. 2026

Dashcam followed in 2021, about an obnoxious content creator on a fateful and terrifying drive, as well as 2023 Stephen King adaptation The Boogeyman. — Brenna Ehrlich, Rolling Stone, 28 Oct. 2026