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fate

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verb

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
Regardless, returning him would be futile, said the president’s aides, as his ultimate fate would be imprisonment, in the United States or elsewhere. Michael Wilner, Los Angeles Times, 17 Apr. 2025 The fate of interim Kings coach Doug Christie will be one of Perry’s first decisions as general manager in Sacramento. Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 17 Apr. 2025
Verb
It was fated by the time fans started filing into the building. Iliana Limón Romero, Los Angeles Times, 20 Mar. 2025 The loss leaves Boise State’s NCAA Tournament fate up to the committee on Selection Sunday. Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 16 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for fate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fate
Noun
  • While Bryson has always had Jamar around for advice and guidance, the elder Nesbit has seen his son take control of his destiny.
    Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 14 Apr. 2025
  • If the small distance between the white dwarfs wasn't evidence enough of their doomed destiny, their combined mass certainly sealed their fate.
    Margherita Bassi, Smithsonian Magazine, 9 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • It’s frequently discussed that having a doula improves outcomes, including shorter labor and fewer interventions.
    Essence, Essence, 14 Apr. 2025
  • The outcomes of these talks could alter American access to Japan's lucrative auto and electronics markets, and potentially affect agricultural exports, too.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Sarah’s demise happens early on in the film, but her presence is still peppered throughout via flashbacks, momentary flashes mid-scene and photographic reminders.
    Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 8 Apr. 2025
  • The true result of a declining dollar will be the demise of the very economic power Trump is attempting to wield.
    Edward Fishman, Foreign Affairs, 8 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Cassandra is a clairvoyant who needs to protect three young women who are destined to develop superpowers who are targeted by a powerful assassin.
    Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Douthat Trump Is on a Path to Failure The fact that Trump survived bad trajectories before doesn’t mean that this one is destined to reverse.
    David Pierson Joao Silva Julia Jacobs Ross Douthat, New York Times, 13 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Friday’s result provided further clarity on the Heat’s draft pick situation.
    Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 19 Apr. 2025
  • The Webb telescope observations could have occurred by chance or could be the result of previously unknown chemical processes at work on K2-18b.
    George Petras, USA Today, 19 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The drama stars June Squibb as a 90-year-old woman from Florida who moves to New York City after the death of her best friend and strikes up an unlikely friendship with a 19-year-old.
    Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Jury selection for Karen Read's retrial on murder and other charges in the death of her Boston police officer boyfriend, John O'Keefe, resumes Thursday with just one more seat to fill.
    Michael Ruiz, FOXNews.com, 10 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • But the effort is almost certainly doomed, since Democrats need Republican signatures to hit the 218 threshold, and Luna isn’t signing on this time after cutting the deal with Johnson on vote pairing.
    Emily Brooks, The Hill, 8 Apr. 2025
  • Is a player’s title hopes doomed by a double bogey?
    Bob Spear, Charlotte Observer, 7 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Show how data from customers/employees contributes to product innovations; present plans for sharing resultant value. 2.
    James Felton Keith, Forbes, 3 Mar. 2025
  • Finally, the resultant structure was coated in potassium hydroxide, which washes away less stable structures and leaves behind thousands of microscopic pores.
    Michael Franco, New Atlas, 20 Dec. 2024

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Cite this Entry

“Fate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fate. Accessed 25 Apr. 2025.

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