fate 1 of 2

Definition of fatenext
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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
Then over the past weekend, the family posted another video — one that was more cryptic and generated even more speculation about Nancy Guthrie’s fate. Ty Oneil, Chicago Tribune, 10 Feb. 2026 David Berry, whose Lord John Grey has been hopelessly in love with Jamie for years, had similar feelings upon learning his character’s fate. Amy Wilkinson, Entertainment Weekly, 10 Feb. 2026
Verb
There is a healthy amount of respect between the Rams and Seahawks, and — at least from the Rams in the locker room Sunday night — a feeling that this matchup was fated. Los Angeles Times, 19 Jan. 2026 The weirdest thing of all in economics, says Brandeis University Economics Professor Benjamin Shiller, is that weirdness is closely tied to fate in the age of artificial intelligence (AI). Jake Angelo, Fortune, 16 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for fate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fate
Noun
  • Wakeland essentially controls their own playoff destiny with games against Reedy and The Colony on tap.
    Ishmael Johnson, Dallas Morning News, 11 Feb. 2026
  • But Kaszas’ ultimate destiny had nothing to do with inflicting — or receiving — bruises, contusions or broken limbs.
    George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • But even more people avoid the worst outcomes of colon cancer by getting screened early and as often as is recommended.
    Alyssa Goldberg, USA Today, 12 Feb. 2026
  • The outcome of Kaley’s lawsuit could help guide how around 1,500 similar lawsuits against social media companies are resolved.
    CNN.com Wire Service, Mercury News, 11 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • McDonald died of a heart attack in 2017, with the city’s medical examiner ruling his death a homicide, stating his demise was caused by complications from the 1986 shooting.
    Barry Williams, New York Daily News, 10 Feb. 2026
  • In a league where everyone is constantly predicting the demise of the running back position, Walker is proof that the old ways still work.
    Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 9 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Her subsequent eviction from the Beguines leads to her accepting the Bishop’s offer of sanctuary—as an anchorite, destined to live out her days in a tiny stone outcropping.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 5 Feb. 2026
  • France's High Commission in French Polynesia The prosecutor's office did not bring charges so as not to burden the local court with a case of drug trafficking not destined for French Polynesia itself.
    CBS News, CBS News, 5 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Substitutions will always be scrutinised by supporters when results go badly.
    Andy Naylor, New York Times, 9 Feb. 2026
  • Gary gets jealous about his brother’s backflips and tries to outdo him with increasingly tragic (and funny) results.
    Omar L. Gallaga, Los Angeles Times, 9 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Through Van Der Beek’s wistful performance, viewers were given a window through which to grapple with betrayal, death, heartbreak and a litany of bad decisions.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 12 Feb. 2026
  • Little has been released about the shooting from the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office, which did not publicly acknowledge the killing for more than 12 hours after Anthony Anderson’s death.
    Jakob Rodgers, Mercury News, 11 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Only doomed bottom pair Burnley (five points) and Wolverhampton Wanderers (six points) have a worse record over the corresponding period.
    Andy Naylor, New York Times, 9 Feb. 2026
  • Even with Curry in the lineup, the Warriors know this season is doomed as things currently stand.
    Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 4 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Disruption and pain resultant from competition could lead to growth in order to weather the competition.
    Torie Bosch, STAT, 31 Jan. 2026
  • That harvesting process gave the resultant kriek its name, Handgeplukte (Flemish for hand-picked).
    Brandon Hernandez, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Fate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fate. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.

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