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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

Examples 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
Noun
  • That is still the most likely outcome but the waters have been far choppier in the House of Lords than predicted, as several Conservative peers, including West Ham vice-chair Baroness Brady, have filibustered to delay the process and proposed hundreds of amendments to scupper the bill.
    Matt Slater, The Athletic, 21 Jan. 2025
  • And Basso might be sanguine about that outcome, given his general outlook on the industry he’s been working in since youth.
    Daniel D'Addario, Variety, 21 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Jake walked us through some of the fallout from the demise, revealing that Apple TV+ viewers will be robbed of comedic turns from an all-star British cast that was set to include Jason Isaacs, Dawn French, Miranda Richardson, and Jamie and Natasia Demetriou.
    Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 17 Jan. 2025
  • Before this particular spacecraft reaches its watery demise, however, SpaceX will test a few other key objectives.
    Jackie Wattles, CNN, 15 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • With you as parents, this baby is destined to be amazing (and very, very loved).
    Anna Moeslein, Parents, 21 Jan. 2025
  • And as such, is it destined to get a season 2 itself?
    Paul Tassi, Forbes, 18 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • The use of military flights is the result of an executive order Trump signed earlier this week.
    Syra Ortiz Blanes, Miami Herald, 24 Jan. 2025
  • The surge in scoring and in 3s is not just a result of analytics.
    Mike Vorkunov, The Athletic, 24 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Plus, the way the filmmakers represent death, as the removal of a mural the lovebirds paint on their first date, speaks in a wholly cinematic language.
    Courtney Howard, Variety, 16 Jan. 2025
  • As fire crews continue to battle the wildfires consuming Los Angeles County, officials on Thursday said at least 36 people remain missing while two additional deaths brought the toll to 25.
    Stephen Sorace, Fox News, 16 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Under the old system, those L's might have doomed both teams' title hopes.
    Becky Sullivan, NPR, 20 Jan. 2025
  • Former Fox News host Pete Hegseth, whose nomination as secretary of Defense appeared doomed in early December, appears to be a glide path to confirmation, barring any new revelations about his personal life.
    Hans Nichols, Axios, 17 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • 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
  • Designers had initially hoped to tunnel beneath the rail line, but UP refused permission, the resultant bridge adding well over $15 million to the project cost, according to Ellerman.
    Mark Lamster, Dallas News, 29 June 2023

Thesaurus Entries Near fate

Cite this Entry

“Fate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fate. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.

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