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.
Ella Rubin seems to have always known an actor’s life was her destiny. — Stephen Schaefer, Boston Herald, 2 Aug. 2026 The themes are about honor and destiny; there are massively violent battle scenes; one character ends up with the entire back half of his skull bashed in. — Joe Reid, Vulture, 1 Aug. 2026 If geography is destiny, Nepal in theory can benefit from being sandwiched between Asian giants China and India. — Vasuki Shastry, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026 Injuries, subpar performances by Rams players and coaches, and outstanding clutch play by opponents — see the 2025 Super Bowl-champion Seattle Seahawks — could derail the Rams’ presumptive date with destiny. — Los Angeles Times, 23 July 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
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Destiny.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/destiny. Accessed 6 Aug. 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

More from Merriam-Webster on destiny

Nglish: Translation of destiny for Spanish Speakers

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