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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in demise

the permanent stopping of all the vital bodily activities he met his fate in a tragic highway accident

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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

The Bulldogs still largely control their fate in achieving their seasonlong goals. — Connor Riley, AJC.com, 25 Oct. 2026 Its speaker has hoped that her life will serve as a warning to her younger sister because, although the speaker’s fate is bound to unfold beneath the rising sun, her sister does not have to follow in her footsteps. — Literary Hub, 23 Oct. 2026

Verb

Still just 24, Calafiori has always come across like someone who seems fated to enjoy everything about football. — Art De Roché, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for fate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for fate

Noun

Berryman’s own father had committed suicide, and the thought that this was somehow to be his destiny too haunted him.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 20 Oct. 2026
However, her portrayal of the tragic villain in Flanagan’s adaptation of King’s Carrie felt like a stroke of destiny.

— Lexy Perez, HollywoodReporter, 19 Oct. 2026

Definition of destiny

Noun

One factor that could also affect air travel is the demise of Spirit Airlines, which went out of business in early May.

— Leslie Josephs, CNBC, 23 Oct. 2026
An ancient family The mass extinction that caused the dinosaurs’ demise may have created an environment for the king-size fungus to evolve and thrive, according to the study.

— Mindy Weisberger, CNN Money, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of demise

Noun

Dividing the task between specialist biocomputing groups returned even higher results (about 80%).

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 27 Oct. 2026
There’s a lot left to get back on the right track — especially with the New York Giants figuring things out at the top of the division — but Monday’s result could serve as the launching pad for a run in the next few weeks.

— Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of result

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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Style

“Fate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fate. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of fate

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verb

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