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fate

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verb

Synonym Chooser

How is the word fate distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of fate are destiny, doom, lot, and portion. While all these words mean "a predetermined state or end," fate implies an inevitable and usually an adverse outcome.

the fate of the submarine is unknown

When is it sensible to use destiny instead of fate?

The words destiny and fate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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

Where would doom be a reasonable alternative to fate?

The synonyms doom and fate are sometimes interchangeable, but doom distinctly implies a grim or calamitous fate.

if the rebellion fails, his doom is certain

How do lot and portion relate to one another, in the sense of fate?

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

it was her lot to die childless

In what contexts can portion take the place of fate?

While in some cases nearly identical to fate, 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 fate
Noun
Firstly, the Black Widow dies in Endgame so her standalone movie, which is set at an earlier time, lacks tension as viewers already know her fate. Caroline Reid, Forbes.com, 6 Apr. 2025 For Alex to accept her fate in this way, to accept death, and with such peace and purpose, had such a poetic quality to it. Christian Blauvelt, IndieWire, 6 Apr. 2025
Verb
The loss leaves Boise State’s NCAA Tournament fate up to the committee on Selection Sunday. Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 16 Mar. 2025 The team’s research reveals that the males aren’t always fated to become food, however. Sam Walters, Discover Magazine, 12 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for fate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fate
Noun
  • Your Legacy Starts Today The time to take control of your financial destiny is now.
    Sharon Olson, Forbes.com, 3 Apr. 2025
  • Elon Musk proclaims 'the entire destiny of humanity' rests on Wisconsin court election GOP jitters?
    Daniel Wiessner, USA Today, 31 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Much depends on what offers are forthcoming but the most likely outcome currently is that Nunez leaves this summer and Liverpool bring someone in to provide greater competition alongside Jota.
    James Pearce, New York Times, 3 Apr. 2025
  • Further studies are necessary to compare the effects of these two dosing regimens on clinical outcomes.
    Staff Author, Verywell Health, 3 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Republicans celebrated the demise of Black Lives Matter Plaza, which was completely dismantled and repainted.
    Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 1 Apr. 2025
  • Strong big-box operators including Simon’s, Walmart Canada, Canadian Tire and Costco have also seized market share from Hudson’s Bay, and going forward, upscale Canadian retailers Holt Renfrew, Mark’s and Harry Rosen could capitalize on Hudson’s Bay’s demise.
    David Moin, WWD, 24 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Yet our attention economy rewards those who excel at creating moments of conflict destined for social media.
    Nate Bennett, Forbes.com, 3 Apr. 2025
  • Having flat feet doesn’t mean you’re destined for a life of discomfort.
    Sara Coughlin, SELF, 3 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Pitching was considered more of a question mark going into this season with injuries to Frankie Montas and Sean Manaea along with the losses of Luis Severino and Jose Quintana in free agency, but the results are a good development.
    Larry Fleisher, Forbes.com, 7 Apr. 2025
  • The results, published March 24 in the journal Nature Medicine, found that healthy diets earlier in life were associated with a higher likelihood of healthy aging, even after accounting for other lifestyle factors, such as physical activity and smoking status.
    Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 6 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • William has been regularly using his father’s lawyers Harbottle & Lewis and its partner, Gerrard Tyrrell — and made the move to Mishcon de Reya, which represented Princess Diana in her divorce from Charles a year before her accidental death.
    Lea Veloso, StyleCaster, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Jury selection for Karen Read's retrial on murder and other charges in the death of her Boston police officer boyfriend, John O'Keefe, resumes Thursday with just one more seat to fill.
    Michael Ruiz, FOXNews.com, 10 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Yes, actual playoffs Slow start, sloppy play dooms Sharks in loss to desperate Rangers Why the Sharks likely will not recall Gushchin or Bordeleau this season The Sharks also had issues on the power play Sunday, going 0-for-3 with the man advantage without a shot on net.
    Curtis Pashelka, Mercury News, 31 Mar. 2025
  • If the 6-foot-2 Weber State product misses the postseason, that would essentially doom the Bucks' already-slim championship aspirations.
    Ron Estes, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Show how data from customers/employees contributes to product innovations; present plans for sharing resultant value. 2.
    James Felton Keith, Forbes, 3 Mar. 2025
  • Finally, the resultant structure was coated in potassium hydroxide, which washes away less stable structures and leaves behind thousands of microscopic pores.
    Michael Franco, New Atlas, 20 Dec. 2024

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Cite this Entry

“Fate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fate. Accessed 13 Apr. 2025.

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