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

The loser still could advance to the knockout rounds of the NBA Cup as a wild-card team but wouldn’t control its own destiny. —Jason Beede, Orlando Sentinel, 2 Dec. 2024

Look, the key thing, from my perspective, is that Ukraine determine its destiny and its destiny, not be imposed by outside powers, including the United States. —ABC News, 1 Dec. 2024

The Beaver Stadium video boards never showed Ohio State-Michigan, though surely fans trickling in from tailgates and those scrolling their phones in the stands were well aware that with Michigan’s win, the Nittany Lions controlled their playoff destiny. —Audrey Snyder, The Athletic, 1 Dec. 2024

Deion Sanders and Colorado coughed up control of their destiny in the Big 12 title race, now needing a minor miracle to reach the Playoff. —David Ubben, The Athletic, 25 Nov. 2024