portion 1 of 2

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

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
Gas prices have skyrocketed since the US and Israel first struck Iran last month, and Iran retailiated by effectively closing the Strait of Hormuz, choking off a large portion of the world’s oil supply from energy markets. Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 31 Mar. 2026 During a comments and questions portion of the town hall attendees emphasized the importance of voting in upcoming elections and joining protests. Jake Allen, IndyStar, 31 Mar. 2026
Verb
These personally portioned chicken pot pies ensure everyone gets the same amount of comfort food. Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 5 Mar. 2026 Shortly before serving, the blocks of compressed spuds are portioned and fried until the edges shatter like glass but the interior remains soft. Brock Keeling, Oc Register, 4 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for portion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for portion
Noun
  • Friction-maxxing, the future, and why AI isn’t destiny.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 1 Apr. 2026
  • The Paris Club, an informal forum of representatives from creditor countries largely in the Global North, has steered the destinies of nations in financial peril, restructuring over half a trillion dollars in sovereign debt since its first meeting in 1956.
    Sven van Mourik, The Dial, 31 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Even though researchers have found no evidence that contemporary populations use one hemisphere of the brain any more than the other, every part of this picture is presented with slick confidence.
    Becca Rothfeld, New Yorker, 30 Mar. 2026
  • The backstory Athanasia Comninos, the effortlessly stylish owner and CEO, is an essential part of the hotel’s ethos.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Stock Chart IconStock chart icon Nebius shares year-to-date.
    Kai Nicol-Schwarz, CNBC, 31 Mar. 2026
  • And a disproportionate share of Florida workers are employed in seasonal or part-time industries, like tourism, meaning fewer receive insurance through their employers.
    Max Klaver, Miami Herald, 31 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • The law authorized about $1 billion in state bonds, distributed to districts based on enrollment.
    Noah Daly, Idaho Statesman, 30 Mar. 2026
  • Vastnaut One assists these climbs by distributing force through both the hips and knees, helping propel the body upward more efficiently.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 30 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • As Duckett awaits his fate, USA TODAY is looking deeper at the case, the recent court actions and why the DNA hasn't been tested until now.
    Amanda Lee Myers, USA Today, 31 Mar. 2026
  • That’s a fate that befouls most of the heroic cast, who are underserved by a tepid script that can’t bother to locate and carry through coherent character arcs that would give this adventure real emotional weight.
    Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 31 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • But several Council members expressed the need for more stakeholder feedback before reaching a decision, in addition to clarity around which sections of city code the penalties would directly apply to.
    Claire Murphy, Chicago Tribune, 27 Mar. 2026
  • The fishery protects more than 145 acres of mangrove forest along its section of coastline.
    Ryan Kellman, NPR, 27 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • This is defined as a country with a larger than average proportion of people ages 15 to 29.
    John Rennie Short, The Conversation, 31 Mar. 2026
  • According to Origin of Bots, the Luna humanoid stands 165 × 55 × 30 cm and weighs about 55 kg with its battery installed, placing it close to human proportions.
    Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 30 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • The preparation sink was unable to dispense hot water.
    Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 27 Mar. 2026
  • The federal government ultimately paid more than $6 million for prescription drugs that were never dispensed, according to the DOJ.
    Sergio Candido, CBS News, 27 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Portion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/portion. Accessed 2 Apr. 2026.

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