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verb

Synonym Chooser

How is the word fate distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of fate are destiny, doom, lot, and portion. While all these words mean "a predetermined state or end," fate implies an inevitable and usually an adverse outcome.

the fate of the submarine is unknown

When is it sensible to use destiny instead of fate?

The words destiny and fate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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

Where would doom be a reasonable alternative to fate?

The synonyms doom and fate are sometimes interchangeable, but doom distinctly implies a grim or calamitous fate.

if the rebellion fails, his doom is certain

How do lot and portion relate to one another, in the sense of fate?

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

it was her lot to die childless

In what contexts can portion take the place of fate?

While in some cases nearly identical to fate, portion implies the apportioning of good and evil.

remorse was his daily portion

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 fate
Noun
The fate of that funding could mean the difference between life and death, both for red wolves and the many other species that call the Alligator River refuge home. Ben Goldfarb, Vox, 14 Mar. 2025 Washington is unlikely to suffer so stark a fate, given the many barnacles that have attached themselves to its economy beyond the bureaucracy. Alec MacGillis, ProPublica, 13 Mar. 2025
Verb
The big picture: New Orleans Saints fans had waited a long time to get to the Super Bowl, and the roster the team had then felt fated, especially in the early years after Hurricane Katrina. Chelsea Brasted, Axios, 7 Feb. 2025 Resisting Liverpool and causing pandemonium in the process was almost fated. Phil Hay, The Athletic, 13 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for fate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fate
Noun
  • Corey was taken from us much too soon, but his destiny was to leave us all with a shining example of the selfless devotion of a true American patriot.
    TIME Staff, TIME, 5 Mar. 2025
  • Here lies the tale of Jack (Leonardo DiCaprio) and Rose (Kate Winslet), mismatched young people on a date with destiny, dreamed up by James Cameron, a filmmaker more associated with smart action films than epic tragic romances.
    Will Leitch, Vulture, 3 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • The outcome in House District 40B could end Republicans' one-vote edge in the state House, returning the chamber to a rare 67-67 tie.
    Torey Van Oot, Axios, 10 Mar. 2025
  • The president didn’t rule it out as a potential outcome.
    William Gavin, Quartz, 10 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • The duo were intrigued by a movie that could tell not only the Cain and Abel story of two childhood pals turned lethal adversaries, but also the demise of the Mafia's national stranglehold, which began with Costello's famous testimony before a congressional hearing in 1951.
    Marco della Cava, USA TODAY, 20 Mar. 2025
  • And coming shortly after Brexit, Britain’s withdrawal from the European Union, DFID’s demise further called into question Britain’s commitment to global cooperation.
    Sarah Stroup, The Conversation, 19 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Since the bill applies retroactively – all the way back to 1965 – it would be destined for serious legal challenges.
    Peter Kwong, Orange County Register, 10 Mar. 2025
  • Including comforting soups and casseroles, a slow cooker twist on a viral recipe, and four creations that are as simple as dump and bake, you’re destined to find a new favorite below.
    Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • That goal against came as a direct result of Pontus Holmberg badly losing a puck battle in the defensive zone, too.
    Nick Ashbourne, The Athletic, 14 Mar. 2025
  • Blood Moon 2025: How To Photograph It With A Smartphone The best way to photograph the eclipse with a smartphone is to hold it up against the eyepiece of any telescope, with impressive results possible.
    Jamie Carter, Forbes, 13 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • The strong winds Monday are indirectly related to the severe weather that struck the Midwest and South over the weekend, causing many deaths.
    Bill Kearney, Sun Sentinel, 17 Mar. 2025
  • The Constitution does not guarantee inmates a painless death.
    N'dea Yancey-Bragg, USA TODAY, 17 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • But without empathy, responsibility, agency, and free will he is doomed to remain a wooden facsimile.
    Ann Kowal Smith, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025
  • And those who don’t learn from the history of this business are usually doomed to repeat it.
    Sean Keeler, The Denver Post, 19 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Show how data from customers/employees contributes to product innovations; present plans for sharing resultant value. 2.
    James Felton Keith, Forbes, 3 Mar. 2025
  • Finally, the resultant structure was coated in potassium hydroxide, which washes away less stable structures and leaves behind thousands of microscopic pores.
    Michael Franco, New Atlas, 20 Dec. 2024

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Cite this Entry

“Fate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fate. Accessed 24 Mar. 2025.

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