destine

verb

des·​tine ˈde-stən How to pronounce destine (audio)
destined; destining
Synonyms of destinenext

transitive verb

1
: to decree beforehand : predetermine
was not destined to attain the throne
2
a
: to designate, assign, or dedicate in advance
believed their child was destined for high office
destined to succeed
a flaw that destines them to fail
b
: to direct, devise, or set apart for a specific purpose or place
freight destined for European ports

Synonyms of destine

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Examples of destine in a Sentence

his extreme height seemed to destine him for a career in basketball
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Wright, however, seems destined to score on a kickoff return. — Chris Perkins, Sun Sentinel, 27 Oct. 2026 So just as the new Japanese labels on the existing vintage garments on sale here added a new chapter to the histories of the pieces, this event itself felt destined to become part of the provenance of the community that gathered here. — Luke Leitch, Vogue, 26 Oct. 2026 Miami could also move Kadyn Proctor to right tackle, the position most think Miami’s 2026 first-round pick is destined to play once Jackson moves on. — Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 23 Oct. 2026 These results don’t mean women with ADHD are destined to die earlier. — Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 23 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for destine

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French destiner, from Latin destinare, from de- + -stinare (akin to Latin stare to stand) — more at stand

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of destine was in the 14th century

Rhymes for destine

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Browse Nearby Words

destination
destine
destined to become a classic
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Destine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/destine. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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Kids Definition

destine

verb
des·​tine ˈdes-tən How to pronounce destine (audio)
destined; destining
1
: to settle in advance
a plan destined to fail
2
: to choose, assign, or dedicate in advance
destined their child for the study of law
3
: to be bound or directed
a ship destined for New York
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