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 He’s confronted by his mysterious past and is hurled into a dangerous adventure across the galaxy that puts him on a crash course with destiny. — Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 19 Aug. 2026 Historical legacy is not destiny, and Russia’s excesses cannot be blamed solely on its ties to the political culture of the steppes. — Foreign Affairs, 18 Aug. 2026 Here, the wealthy and asthmatic young politician, bolstered by time spent outside among manly men, grew strong enough to meet his destiny. — Rachel Monroe, New Yorker, 17 Aug. 2026 In the end, that is the destiny and the definition of the entrepreneur. — Neil Senturia, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for destiny

Recent Examples of Synonyms for destiny

fate

Noun

Former Boilermakers union members convicted in June of racketeering conspiracy — including ex-International President Newton Jones — will be waiting three more months to learn their fate.

— Judy L. Thomas, Kansas City Star, 31 Aug. 2026
Kohl’s decided in 2016 to close one of its big box stores in Roswell, but no one knew the building’s fate would be stuck in purgatory for the next decade.

— Zachary Hansen, AJC.com, 31 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 1 Sep. 2026.

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