Synonyms of destiny

destiny

noun

ˈde-stə-nē 

as in fate

a state or end that seemingly has been decided beforehand

I just knew that it wasn't my destiny to end up in a dead-end job

Synonyms & Similar Words

• fate
• fortune
• luck
• doom
• circumstance
• chance
• accident
• portion
• kismet
• hazard
• lot
• outcome
• predestination
• happenstance
• effect
• development
• happenchance
• result
• issue
• casualty
• hap
• consequence
• sequence
• aftermath
• sequel
• upshot
• resultant
• conclusion
• fruit
• outgrowth
• aftereffect

Synonym Chooser

How is the word destiny distinct from other similar nouns?

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

When could doom be used to replace destiny?

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

if the rebellion fails, his doom is certain

When is it sensible to use fate instead of destiny?

While the synonyms fate and destiny are close in meaning, fate implies an inevitable and usually an adverse outcome.

the fate of the submarine is unknown

How are the words lot and portion related as synonyms of destiny?

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

it was her lot to die childless

When is portion a more appropriate choice than destiny?

The words portion and destiny are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, portion implies the apportioning of good and evil.

remorse was his daily portion

Examples Sentences

Recent Examples of destiny

Make field goals in Los Angeles against the Chargers and the Bengals again would have controlled their destiny. —Paul Dehner Jr., The Athletic, 27 Dec. 2024

Smith took control of her destiny by leaving Brooklyn in 1919, at the age of twenty-two, for Michigan. —Perri Klass, The New Yorker, 30 Dec. 2024

On top of that, after getting some clarity about the No. 1 seed during the week, the Bills now control the rest of their destiny in maximizing their playoff path. —Joe Buscaglia, The Athletic, 27 Dec. 2024

Achieving such heights evoked images of power and the ability to shape destinies. —Vibhas Ratanjee, Forbes, 24 Dec. 2024