Definition of portionnext

portion

2 of 2

verb

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
Leti, for example, booked the Normandy portion of their trip through Road Scholar, a nonprofit that organizes educational trips for older adults. — Jenn Sinrich, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 Oct. 2026 The agency has also accepted the Target Animal Safety portion of Loyal’s application, with data from more than 400 dogs confirming the pill is safe for its intended use. — Hanna Wickes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 Oct. 2026
Verb
Howrey’s own politics are here — feminist, environmentalist, activist — but believably portioned out to her characters. — Meredith Maran, Los Angeles Times, 8 Sep. 2026 Desserts such as the Jamaican rum cake with coconut ice cream are portioned for sharing. — John Kessler, Chicago Tribune, 8 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for portion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for portion
Noun
  • Angel Reese has been talking about taking control of her destiny.
    — Dan Zaksheske OutKick, FOXNews.com, 17 Oct. 2026
  • Forty years ago, Reykjavík showed that even the deepest divisions need not determine our destiny.
    — Halla Tómasdóttir, Time, 16 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Explore See latest videos, charts and news Performing as part of his 30-night residency at the New York venue, Styles paused to address the crowd before the tribute.
    — Jessica Lynch, Billboard, 17 Oct. 2026
  • Ukraine's greatest fear is that the Chinese government could severely restrict its access to these critical parts.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 17 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • As financial markets have become more accessible, consumers have begun trading sophisticated financial instruments, purchasing fractional shares and gaining exposure to alternative assets in minutes.
    — Aneri Jambusaria, Fortune, 18 Oct. 2026
  • The Buss family is asking a superior court judge to dismiss Jeanie Buss’ petition to block Lakers share sale.
    — Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 17 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Major Player Last year, BBC Studios teamed with CosmoBlue to distribute channels and launch a new general entertainment network across the Middle East and North Africa regions and Turkey.
    — Stewart Clarke, Deadline, 16 Oct. 2026
  • That came after the company distributed about 471 million warrants giving holders of Paramount Skydance’s PSKY Class B shares the option to purchase stock in the new company for $12/share.
    — Todd Spangler, Variety, 15 Oct. 2026
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
Noun
  • When suggesting a link (like a link to a voter portal, tracker, or locator), provide the markdown link early in the response or at the top of the relevant section.
    — Rakesh Agrawal, PC Magazine, 14 Oct. 2026
  • As the song unfolds, the drums, lead vocal, background vocals, chord movement and production all play a role in carrying and reshaping it, allowing the sections to feel distinctly different while still remaining tightly connected.
    — David Penn, Billboard, 14 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Visually, the vehicle has modern, ultra-aggressive proportions.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 15 Oct. 2026
  • The motif appears in necklaces with interlocking links, substantial bracelets, earrings, and rings, each playing with the shape's elegant proportions.
    — Lilah Ramzi, Vogue, 15 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Despite those circumstances, Yusuf continued dispensing oxycodone to Llerena, according to the factual proffer.
    — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 15 Oct. 2026
  • The Studio 1 tracks the amount dispensed to estimate how much remains.
    — Michael Lydick, PC Magazine, 14 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

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

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