Definition of portionnext

portion

2 of 2

verb

Synonym Chooser

How is the word portion distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of portion are destiny, doom, fate, and lot. While all these words mean "a predetermined state or end," portion implies the apportioning of good and evil.

remorse was his daily portion

When might destiny be a better fit than portion?

The synonyms destiny and portion are sometimes interchangeable, but destiny implies something foreordained and often suggests a great or noble course or end.

the country's destiny to be a model of liberty to the world

In what contexts can doom take the place of portion?

Although the words doom and portion have much in common, doom distinctly implies a grim or calamitous fate.

if the rebellion fails, his doom is certain

When could fate be used to replace portion?

The meanings of fate and portion largely overlap; however, fate implies an inevitable and usually an adverse outcome.

the fate of the submarine is unknown

How are the words lot and portion related?

Both lot and portion imply a distribution by fate or destiny, lot suggesting blind chance.

it was her lot to die childless

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 portion
Noun
There are large portions of the South where Democrats are no longer routinely successful. Dana Taylor, USA Today, 24 Aug. 2026 That’s a fundamental portion of the jurisdiction of our federal courts, and foreign governments have the opportunity to do this. Gene Maddaus, Variety, 24 Aug. 2026
Verb
The roasted chiles, cleaned or not, can be portioned into zip-top or vacuum seal bags and frozen for up to two years. Sean Timberlake, Sacbee.com, 30 July 2026 Buttery and flaky, these individual strawberry desserts are perfectly portioned for your next cookout. Brennan Long, Southern Living, 3 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for portion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for portion
Noun
  • He’s confronted by his mysterious past and is hurled into a dangerous adventure across the galaxy that puts him on a crash course with destiny.
    Anthony D'Alessandro, Deadline, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Historical legacy is not destiny, and Russia’s excesses cannot be blamed solely on its ties to the political culture of the steppes.
    Foreign Affairs, Foreign Affairs, 18 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Utah officials view the partnership as another part of the state’s broader effort to increase energy production.
    Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 25 Aug. 2026
  • As part of the deal, TCS will acquire Porsche's IT consulting business, MHP, for 320 million euros, the company said in a release.
    Priyanka Salve, CNBC, 25 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • York became the principal owner of the 49ers in 2024 after purchasing equity shares from his family.
    Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 24 Aug. 2026
  • These questions challenge candidates to acknowledge mistakes and share credit—the antithesis of their natural motivation to self-aggrandize and create a heroic image of their impact.
    Harvard Business Review, Harvard Business Review, 24 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • The publisher will also distribute the audiobook to 100,000 teachers affiliated with Book Clubs in collaboration with Audible and Pottermore.
    K.J. Yossman, Variety, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Among the additional counts against Andrew are allegations of making or distributing indecent images of children and possessing extreme pornography.
    Jonny Hallam, CNN Money, 27 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • The site has now been sequestered and Malosso was ordered to tear down the theater, though its fate remains to be seen.
    Julia Buckley, CNN Money, 24 Aug. 2026
  • In a brutal twist of fate for USC, just ahead of its Week 0 opener, defensive tackle Jahkeem Stewart is now likely to miss the nonconference slate with a foot injury.
    Ryan Kartje, Los Angeles Times, 24 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • The judge later ruled in late 2024 that the two sections were unconstitutional.
    Joseph Flaherty, Arkansas Online, 28 Aug. 2026
  • The goddess Gayatri, a divine manifestation of the Gayatri mantra, is described in the Mahanarayana Upanishad as having five heads, along with three feet, six abdominal sections, and 24 syllables.
    Charles Preston, Encyclopedia Britannica, 28 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • This metric measures the proportion of the working-age population that is either employed or actively seeking employment.
    , CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Directly transferring the original walking policy failed because the second robot had different body proportions, joint configurations, and motor characteristics.
    Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 28 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Inside its Equipment Innovation Center in Atlanta, a massive television screen displays real-time data showing what drinks dispensed by the Freestyle are trending, what time of day and where — from the region to the type of business.
    Amelia Lucas, CNBC, 22 Aug. 2026
  • Those sales were hit by federal legislation that requires pharmacies to dispense some high-cost Medicare drugs at capped prices, the retailer said.
    Anne D'Innocenzio, Fortune, 20 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Portion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/portion. Accessed 30 Aug. 2026.

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