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 In Duo, when a soft-spoken, blue-collar worker (Wood) and a magnetic performer (Benoist) looking for her next break unexpectedly cross paths, their fateful meeting leads to a partnership that changes them both forever. —

Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 5 Dec. 2024 Perfect for anyone who remembers that fateful day, or as an introduction for anyone who doesn't. —

Rachel Flynn, People.com, 3 Dec. 2024 The author presents us with a dual progression: the tale of modern-day father and son treasure hunters and their search for the Connaught, interspersed with a recreation of the fateful journey of that vessel itself. —

Chris Wheatley, Longreads, 3 Dec. 2024 Franks confirmed that Pedro Hernandez himself had fired the fateful shot, then fled to Mexico. —

Matt Webb Mitovich, TVLine, 25 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for fateful

Recent Examples of Synonyms for fateful

Adjective

But the film’s poisonous reviews and disastrous box office all but torpedoed her Oscar hopes this year, and the film was shut out in Monday’s Globe nominations.

Patrick Ryan, USA TODAY, 9 Dec. 2024
While Norris and Piastri scored points regularly, Red Bull’s defense of its title was hampered by Sergio Perez’s disastrous form, with the Mexican’s last podium coming in the sprint race in Miami.

Dan Cancian, Forbes, 9 Dec. 2024