FATEFUL Synonyms: 50 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'fateful' differ from other similar words?

The words ominous and portentous are common synonyms of fateful . While all three words mean "having a menacing or threatening aspect," fateful suggests being of momentous or decisive importance. // the fateful conference that led to war

Q: Where would 'ominous' be a reasonable alternative to 'fateful'?

Although the words ominous and fateful have much in common, ominous implies having a menacing, alarming character foreshadowing evil or disaster. // ominous rumblings from the volcano

Q: When is it sensible to use 'portentous' instead of 'fateful'?

While the synonyms portentous and fateful are close in meaning, portentous suggests being frighteningly big or impressive but now seldom definitely connotes forewarning of calamity. // an eerie and portentous stillness

fateful

adjective

ˈfāt-fəl

Definition of fateful next

as in disastrous

bringing about ruin or misfortune a fateful encounter with a confidence man that they would long regret

Synonyms & Similar Words

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How does the adjective fateful differ from other similar words?

The words ominous and portentous are common synonyms of fateful. While all three words mean "having a menacing or threatening aspect," fateful suggests being of momentous or decisive importance.

the fateful conference that led to war

Where would ominous be a reasonable alternative to fateful?

Although the words ominous and fateful have much in common, ominous implies having a menacing, alarming character foreshadowing evil or disaster.

ominous rumblings from the volcano

When is it sensible to use portentous instead of fateful?

While the synonyms portentous and fateful are close in meaning, portentous suggests being frighteningly big or impressive but now seldom definitely connotes forewarning of calamity.

an eerie and portentous stillness

Examples 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 fateful In a desperate bid to provide for her other seven children, their mother makes a fateful pact with her wealthy employer to give up one of the twins. —

Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 10 Jan. 2025 Memories of 7/7 remain etched in UK citizens’ minds almost 20 years on from that fateful day. —

Max Goldbart, Deadline, 3 Jan. 2025 Season 1, for instance, takes place on the fifth anniversary of his mentor’s death; former ER chief Dr. Adamson was one of the pandemic’s earliest victims, and Robby is still haunted by visions of that fateful day. —

Ryan Schwartz, TVLine, 3 Jan. 2025 The person who came across him that fateful day wasn't willing to give up on him just yet. —

George Monastiriakos, Newsweek, 30 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for fateful

Recent Examples of Synonyms for fateful

Adjective

After this week's disastrous fires on the Westside, that will no longer be an option.

Jared Kofsky, ABC News, 9 Jan. 2025
The only exception is the somewhat confusing nature of the Wii U, which was more or less a Wii with a Gamepad, and that helped lead to disastrous sales.

Paul Tassi, Forbes, 9 Jan. 2025