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

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 fateful That group followed on the heels of another group Goldberg played in with his guitarist friend Bloomfield, the Paul Butterfield Blues Band, leading to the fateful gig with Dylan as the legend delighted or stunned crowds at Newport with his newish, noisy, full-band electric format. —

Chris Willman, Variety, 23 Jan. 2025 As the relay team prepared for the fateful finale, racer Aidan Burd said they were focused on picking each other up and working as a team. —

Jack Murray, Boston Herald, 19 Jan. 2025 Houston followed Kansas City’s epic drive with a fateful strategic mistake. —

Kevin Dotson, CNN, 19 Jan. 2025 This fateful encounter, along with what happened next, was all captured in raw footage that Serban-Lawler shared on Instagram. —

Bailey Richards, People.com, 14 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for fateful

Recent Examples of Synonyms for fateful

Adjective

Other threats of looting and burglary loom over Los Angeles County, after disastrous fires have devastated communities.

— Megan Forrester, ABC News, 20 Jan. 2025
The disastrous effects of climate change have made these college-age children question what kind of future will be afforded to them.

— Shawn Hubler, New York Times, 20 Jan. 2025