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

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

North Carolina voters will decide the fate of a constitutional amendment on property taxes on the ballot this November. — Mary Ramsey, Charlotte Observer, 9 Oct. 2026 When Waits mentions the burglar alarm that sealed Ceaser’s fate, Duke’s piano shimmers dramatically. — Al Shipley, SPIN, 9 Oct. 2026

Verb

So, while this season began with storms named Arthur in June, followed by Bertha in July and Cristobal, which flared up and then flamed out quickly earlier this month, the latest storm brewing was already fated to be called Dolly. — Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 28 Aug. 2026 To spare the next generation that fate, Dolly created the Imagination Library, which gave away hundreds of millions of free books to children. — Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 27 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for fate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for fate

Noun

Thus, although Sanjak the spy might have been portrayed as an evil agent, many readers cheered this original, unapologetic character who took control of her destiny and challenged traditional gender norms.

— Gaby Iori October 7, Literary Hub, 7 Oct. 2026
Noir, by contrast, brooks no such substitutions, because its conception of authenticity cannot allow for alternative destinies.

— Harmon Siegel, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2026

Definition of destiny

Noun

Small differences across those factors can affect the outcome.

— Kelli Grant, CFP®,Riley de León, CNBC, 8 Oct. 2026
In many of life’s winner-loser outcomes, the fate of the losers is all but inevitable, granted the values, resources and determination of the winners.

— James Coffin, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of outcome

Noun

In a conversation with THR, Sloyan dissects playing Margaret, the character’s dark path, surprise reveal, her demise and her pitch for a Margaret prequel.

— Lexy Perez, HollywoodReporter, 11 Oct. 2026
All of us owe the foursome a thanks for hastening the demise of the old Latino political machines that birthed them and kept the city stuck in tribalism for too long.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of demise

Verb

Various harsh and challenging Antarctic environments have served as testing sites for equipment destined for the Moon, Mars and beyond.

— Daniella McCahey, The Conversation, 12 Oct. 2026
Private investigators believe the vehicles were destined for the Sinaloa Cartel.

— Steve Fisher Special Correspondent Follow, Los Angeles Times, 11 Oct. 2026

Definition of destine

Noun

The story centers on two ex-lovers who come back into each other’s lives after spending decades apart, only to find old feelings stirring with messy and mixed results.

— Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 13 Oct. 2026
Otherworldly was the result at Mugler, as well, where outer eyelashes got extruded like whiskers.

— Jennifer Weil, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of result

Noun

The University of Iowa in March estimated by the end of 2026 there will be 21,700 new cancer diagnoses in the state and 6,400 new cancer deaths.

— Gabrielle M. Etzel, The Washington Examiner, 8 Oct. 2026
Each of the six main suspects get their chance to give their version of events on the day of Jodie’s death, effectively supplying their own alibis.

— Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of death

Noun

Inadequate funding and the resultant low pay for correctional officers, when compared to other law enforcement agencies, have plagued the bureau for years.

— Scott Peyton, Washington Post, 8 Oct. 2026
Surprisingly, despite his role in the Fast & Furious franchise and the resultant persona fans project on him, Gibson is, admittedly, not interested in pursuing motorsport and had never been drifting.

— Viju Mathew, Robb Report, 16 Sep. 2026

Definition of resultant

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fat cats

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“Fate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fate. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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noun

verb

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