PORTION Synonyms: 124 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'portion' distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of portion are destiny , doom , fate , and lot . While all these words mean "a predetermined state or end," portion implies the apportioning of good and evil. // remorse was his daily portion

Q: When might 'destiny' be a better fit than 'portion'?

The synonyms destiny and portion are sometimes interchangeable, but 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: In what contexts can 'doom' take the place of 'portion'?

Although the words doom and portion have much in common, doom distinctly implies a grim or calamitous fate. // if the rebellion fails, his doom is certain

Q: When could 'fate' be used to replace 'portion'?

The meanings of fate and portion largely overlap; however, fate implies an inevitable and usually an adverse outcome. // the fate of the submarine is unknown

Q: How are the words 'lot' and 'portion' related?

Both lot and portion imply a distribution by fate or destiny, lot suggesting blind chance. // it was her lot to die childless

portion 1 of 2

noun

ˈpȯr-shən

Definition of portion

as in destiny

a state or end that seemingly has been decided beforehand he had always just assumed that lifelong bachelorhood would be his portion

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

as in part

one of the pieces from which something is designed to be assembled equal portions of the students' day are devoted to study, recreation, and sleep

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in share

something belonging to, due to, or contributed by an individual member of a group each camper gets an equal portion of the food

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

portion

2 of 2

verb

as in to distribute

to give out (something) to appropriate individuals portioned out the medical supplies equally

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word portion distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of portion are destiny, doom, fate, and lot. While all these words mean "a predetermined state or end," portion implies the apportioning of good and evil.

remorse was his daily portion

When might destiny be a better fit than portion?

The synonyms destiny and portion are sometimes interchangeable, but 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

In what contexts can doom take the place of portion?

Although the words doom and portion have much in common, doom distinctly implies a grim or calamitous fate.

if the rebellion fails, his doom is certain

When could fate be used to replace portion?

The meanings of fate and portion largely overlap; however, fate implies an inevitable and usually an adverse outcome.

the fate of the submarine is unknown

How are the words lot and portion related?

Both lot and portion imply a distribution by fate or destiny, lot suggesting blind chance.

it was her lot to die childless

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 portion

Noun

However, doing so risks sacrificing some portion of local media rights revenue—last year, local media revenue contributed 10% of teams’ overall take. — Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 23 Oct. 2026 The Gables gets a large portion of its revenue from property taxes. — Michelle Marchante, Miami Herald, 23 Oct. 2026

Verb

There are even measurement markings inside the bowl to make portioning ingredients easier, and the bowls nest inside each other for more compact storage. — Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Sep. 2026 Howrey’s own politics are here — feminist, environmentalist, activist — but believably portioned out to her characters. — Meredith Maran, Los Angeles Times, 8 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for portion

Recent Examples of Synonyms for portion

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

Such calculations are part of a wider effort to understand why molecular simulations remain challenging.

— Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 24 Oct. 2026
The Valkyries president says self-care is a non-negotiable Smith doesn’t compartmentalize the professional and personal parts of her life.

— Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of part

Noun

Over the past two months, amid efforts to find what could be more than $20 billion to recapitalize insurance funds, Walter has sold his controlling interest in the Lakers and a minority share of Chelsea, the English Premier League club.

— Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 24 Oct. 2026
The share of Americans who rate their lives 7 to 10 out of 10 barely moved, while the average fell more steeply.

— Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of share

Verb

The Break Will Not Be Even Once the trigger fires, the productivity break will not distribute evenly across the world.

— Stephen Messer, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2026
The foundation has raised more than $30,000 to be awarded in scholarships and $26,000 to be distributed to community causes.

— Samantha Bergeson, Time, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of distribute

Noun

Finn Gomez / Getty Voters in more than three dozen states will determine the fate of nearly 150 ballot measures on Election Day that will shape local policy on a wide range of issues.

— Kayla Hayempour, NBC news, 26 Oct. 2026
There’s this connection between Americans’ lack of control right now and leaving their fates in the hands of others.

— Maria Bamford, Vulture, 26 Oct. 2026

Definition of fate

Noun

The frack happening beneath us was about half as deep as Mount Everest is high, in a section of oil-rich rock that used to be considered out of reach; other innovations allow for simultaneous fracks, minimizing downtime.

— Tim McDonnell, semafor.com, 22 Oct. 2026
Muchnick said his seats, in section 144, jumped from $3430 this season to $3795 next season.

— Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of section

Noun

The hotel interprets this mantra through balanced proportions, restrained interiors, and a hospitality approach that favors comfort over excess.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Oct. 2026
Both the Haines and Beazley incidents have raised concerns about the safety of female politicians, who account for a growing proportion of lawmakers in Australian parliaments.

— ABC News, ABC News, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of proportion

Verb

Crystal is the rare talent who always has been able to dispense the warmth of laughter and then immediately unplug the flow of treacle.

— Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 22 Oct. 2026
Items such as the coffee pots, dispensing nozzles for cappuccino and frazil machines must be washed and sanitized as needed.

— NWA Democrat-Gazette, Arkansas Online, 19 Oct. 2026

Definition of dispense

Browse Nearby Words

porticoes

portion

portioned

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Style

“Portion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/portion. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of portion

noun

verb

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