destiny

noun

des·​ti·​ny ˈde-stə-nē How to pronounce destiny (audio)
plural destinies
Synonyms of destiny
1
: something to which a person or thing is destined : fortune
want to control my own destiny
2
: a predetermined course of events often held to be an irresistible power or agency
felt that destiny would determine their future

Synonyms of destiny

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fate, destiny, lot, portion, doom mean a predetermined state or end.

fate implies an inevitable and usually an adverse outcome.

the fate of the submarine is unknown

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

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

it was her lot to die childless

portion implying the apportioning of good and evil.

remorse was his daily portion

doom distinctly implies a grim or calamitous fate.

if the rebellion fails, his doom is certain

Examples of destiny in a Sentence

They believed it was their destiny to be together. motivated by a sense of destiny
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.
Forty years ago, Reykjavík showed that even the deepest divisions need not determine our destiny. — Halla Tómasdóttir, Time, 16 Oct. 2026 Finding the ideal location to build Can Ferrereta was a matter of destiny that led to purchasing land that was owned by the same family for decades—helping the Soldevila-Ferrer to stay true to the values of tradition while building over it. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Oct. 2026 Li offers hints of how Field and Adelaide’s destiny came to pass, with a preface and short flash-forward scenes that striate the narrative. — Los Angeles Times, 13 Oct. 2026 Kotch and Parnevik, as the negligently canoodling counselors, inspire the opposite reaction as two characters whose destiny is inevitable and earned. — Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 13 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for destiny

Word History

Etymology

Middle English destinee, from Anglo-French, from feminine of destiné, past participle of destiner — see destine

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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

Phrases Containing destiny

Browse Nearby Words

destinezite
destiny
destitute
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Cite this Entry

“Destiny.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/destiny. Accessed 19 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

destiny

noun
des·​ti·​ny ˈdes-tə-nē How to pronounce destiny (audio)
plural destinies
1
: something to which a person or thing is destined : fortune
2
: the course of events held to be arranged by a superhuman power
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