FATE Synonyms: 143 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

fate 1 of 2

noun

ˈfāt

Definition of fate next

as in destiny

a state or end that seemingly has been decided beforehand the belief that it was this country's fate to extend from sea to sea

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

as in outcome

a condition or occurrence traceable to a cause the fate of the presidential election hinged on a few thousand votes in a single state

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in demise

the permanent stopping of all the vital bodily activities he met his fate in a tragic highway accident

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

fate

2 of 2

verb

ˈfāt

as in to destine

to determine the fate of in advance the warning that the lack of an advanced education will fate a person to a lifetime of below-average earnings

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Even after the executive order, the fate of TikTok remains highly uncertain, legal and tech policy analysts told ABC News. —

Max Zahn, ABC News, 21 Jan. 2025 To accomplish these goals, Peter had to bend his principles, including lying to Noor, an idealistic young staffer at the Iranian UN mission, about the fate of her brother and allying with a shady businessman, Jacob Monroe. —

Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 24 Jan. 2025

Verb

If these fractures widen into wounds, with oceans eventually filling the gaps—a big if—Africa could be fated to turn into an archipelago tens of millions of years from now. —

Bypaul Voosen, science.org, 7 Nov. 2024 So consider separating yourself from the fear of challenges and instead try to get excited about how fated your experiences will be. —

Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for fate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for fate

Noun

But the Bills and Josh Allen are a team of destiny.

— Bill Reinhard, New York Daily News, 23 Jan. 2025
While the Oilers might prefer to move on and use his $3 million in cap space on an upgrade at the trade deadline, Skinner controls his own destiny with a no-movement clause in his contract.

— Harman Dayal, The Athletic, 21 Jan. 2025