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

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of fateful Lennon’s final in-depth interview took place alongside wife and creative collaborator Yoko Ono on the fateful day of December 8, 1980 — the only radio interview granted around the release of their album, Double Fantasy. Matt Grobar, Deadline, 22 Apr. 2025 Correspondent Mo Rocca explores the dramatic events of that fateful day 250 years ago; and hears from reenactors about why the colonists' ideals still hold true today. David Morgan, CBS News, 17 Apr. 2025 On April 8, two decades after that fateful day, a modest crowd gathered at the Niles Police Department for an outdoor ceremony in Zourkas’ honor. Jessi Virtusio, Chicago Tribune, 15 Apr. 2025 So Warfare is Mendoza’s way of showing his friend what happened on that fateful day, melding only the memories of the other combat veterans who were there. Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 7 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for fateful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fateful
Adjective
  • That quickly became disastrous for both sides as officials had a very public spat with one another using harsh rhetoric in front of a slew of journalists invited to cover what was initially intended to be brief opening remarks.
    Elisabeth Buchwald, CNN Money, 9 May 2025
  • The second leg against AZ after a disastrous 1-0 defeat in Holland.
    Jack Pitt-Brooke, New York Times, 9 May 2025
Adjective
  • In rare cases, salmonella can result in more serious illness and can be fatal in young children, frail or elderly people and others with weakened immune systems.
    Lucia I Suarez Sang, CBS News, 4 May 2025
  • The fatal accident happened Thursday night on U.S. Highway 20 near Henry's Lake State Park in eastern Idaho, located about 16 miles west of Yellowstone in Wyoming.
    Greg Norman, FOXNews.com, 2 May 2025
Adjective
  • After a half-decade of unfortunate injuries and the still-strange collapse in the bubble, Leonard at last looks like his two-time Finals MVP self.
    Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 3 May 2025
  • Responding to the precariousness of our moment, museums have reified the problem with an unfortunate watchword: relevance.
    Eric Crosby, Artforum, 1 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Fateful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fateful. Accessed 13 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on fateful

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