FATEFUL Synonyms: 50 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'fateful' differ from other similar words?

The words ominous and portentous are common synonyms of fateful . While all three words mean "having a menacing or threatening aspect," fateful suggests being of momentous or decisive importance. // the fateful conference that led to war

Q: Where would 'ominous' be a reasonable alternative to 'fateful'?

Although the words ominous and fateful have much in common, ominous implies having a menacing, alarming character foreshadowing evil or disaster. // ominous rumblings from the volcano

Q: When is it sensible to use 'portentous' instead of 'fateful'?

While the synonyms portentous and fateful are close in meaning, portentous suggests being frighteningly big or impressive but now seldom definitely connotes forewarning of calamity. // an eerie and portentous stillness

fateful

adjective

ˈfāt-fəl

Definition of fateful next

as in disastrous

bringing about ruin or misfortune a fateful encounter with a confidence man that they would long regret

Synonyms & Similar Words

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How does the adjective fateful differ from other similar words?

The words ominous and portentous are common synonyms of fateful. While all three words mean "having a menacing or threatening aspect," fateful suggests being of momentous or decisive importance.

the fateful conference that led to war

Where would ominous be a reasonable alternative to fateful?

Although the words ominous and fateful have much in common, ominous implies having a menacing, alarming character foreshadowing evil or disaster.

ominous rumblings from the volcano

When is it sensible to use portentous instead of fateful?

While the synonyms portentous and fateful are close in meaning, portentous suggests being frighteningly big or impressive but now seldom definitely connotes forewarning of calamity.

an eerie and portentous stillness

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 fateful Advertisement In the poignant scene about her mom, Gunvalson collapsed on the floor and devolved into screams upon getting the fateful phone call. —

Nardine Saad, Los Angeles Times, 28 Oct. 2024 Westfield and Clarke intend on staying friends, already making plans to barbecue in the driveway where the fateful encounter occurred. —

Emma Tucker, CNN, 16 Oct. 2024 Alma implored rescuers to save her father, mother and five siblings after their home was hit by an Israeli strike, her voice barely perceptible in the haunting video captured on that fateful day. —

NBC News, 9 Oct. 2024 That fateful day changed the Middle East forevermore, with the ramifications still playing out, culminating last week in Iran launching nearly 200 ballistic missiles in Israel’s direction. —

Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 7 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for fateful

Recent Examples of Synonyms for fateful

Adjective

Meanwhile, Biden’s refusal to exit the 2024 presidential race after a disastrous initial debate performance in June kicked off a whirlwind season that gave rise to Harris.

Elizabeth Robinson, NBC News, 7 Nov. 2024
That unease burst into the open after Biden’s disastrous June debate performance against Trump.

Julia Prodis Sulek, The Mercury News, 6 Nov. 2024