Synonym Chooser

How is the word destiny distinct from other similar nouns?

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

When could doom be used to replace destiny?

The synonyms doom and destiny are sometimes interchangeable, but doom distinctly implies a grim or calamitous fate.

if the rebellion fails, his doom is certain

When is it sensible to use fate instead of destiny?

While the synonyms fate and destiny are close in meaning, fate implies an inevitable and usually an adverse outcome.

the fate of the submarine is unknown

How are the words lot and portion related as synonyms of destiny?

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

it was her lot to die childless

When is portion a more appropriate choice than destiny?

The words portion and destiny are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 destiny The United States should do more to empower Iranians to determine their destiny. Felice Friedson, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 June 2025 Goldwater wouldn’t manifest that destiny, but Reagan, 16 years later, took this vision of fiscal conservatism to the White House. Drew Kurlowski, The Conversation, 25 June 2025 Together, their mission evolves into an epic quest, revealing an unexpected destiny. Matthew Carey, Deadline, 25 June 2025 Control over one’s vehicle equated to control over one’s destiny. Deni Ellis Béchard, Scientific American, 22 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for destiny
Recent Examples of Synonyms for destiny
fate
Noun
  • The cloudy days hovering over the fate of the U.S. Airline sector appear to be clearing out, with Delta Air Lines (NYSE: DAL) reporting better-than-expected 2Q 2025 financial results this week.
    Ankita Dhawan, Forbes.com, 12 July 2025
  • For Scotty, a young puppy facing a grim fate, time was running out.
    Maria Morava, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 July 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Destiny.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/destiny. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on destiny

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!