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 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 In April, the club opened the 26,700-seat Nu Stadium, giving it a permanent home and more control over its commercial destiny after six seasons at a temporary venue called Chase Stadium at the end of its tenure. — Justin Birnbaum, Sportico.com, 22 July 2026 Raised to be a samurai, Kenji never got to fulfill his destiny when the Meiji Restoration in Japan dismantled the samurai class. — Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 21 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for destiny

Recent Examples of Synonyms for destiny

fate

Noun

An Iranian military official said that Qatar has been delaying a probe into the fate of three pilots, whom Iran says have been held there for months, according to state media.

— Charlotte Reck, CNN Money, 16 Aug. 2026
And sure as fate, three successive hits brought one run in, a walk loaded the bases, and the tying run came to the plate in the figure of Eli White.

— Louisa Thomas, New Yorker, 16 Aug. 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 21 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of destiny

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