Thesaurus results for DESTINY

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

destiny

noun

ˈde-stə-nē

Definition of destiny

as in fate

a state or end that seemingly has been decided beforehand I just knew that it wasn't my destiny to end up in a dead-end job

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 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 What holds us in thrall is the ever-shifting logic—largely cruel, occasionally kind—through which destiny plays itself out. — Alex Ross, New Yorker, 12 Oct. 2026 Thus, although Sanjak the spy might have been portrayed as an evil agent, many readers cheered this original, unapologetic character who took control of her destiny and challenged traditional gender norms. — Gaby Iori october 7, Literary Hub, 7 Oct. 2026 Noir, by contrast, brooks no such substitutions, because its conception of authenticity cannot allow for alternative destinies. — Harmon Siegel, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for destiny

Recent Examples of Synonyms for destiny

fate

Noun

Vasilescu says Converse could meet the same fate, given its recent performance and the parent company’s need to focus on fixing other ailing parts of its business, like sales in China and its Jordan brand.

— Phil Wahba, Fortune, 20 Oct. 2026
But in recent weeks, immigrants from a few nations appear to have escaped that fate.

— Lauren Kaori Gurley, Washington Post, 19 Oct. 2026

Definition of fate

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destining

destiny

destitute

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“Destiny.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/destiny. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of destiny

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