Synonyms of destiny

destiny

noun

ˈde-stə-nē 

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

• fate
• fortune
• luck
• doom
• circumstance
• chance
• accident
• portion
• kismet
• hazard
• lot
• outcome
• predestination
• happenstance
• effect
• development
• happenchance
• result
• issue
• casualty
• hap
• consequence
• sequence
• aftermath
• sequel
• upshot
• resultant
• conclusion
• fruit
• outgrowth
• aftereffect

Synonym Chooser

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

Examples of destiny in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Gone, at least for now, are the days of Republicans banking on the support of older voters -- some of the nation's most reliable ballot punchers -- and Democrats' proclamations that demography is destiny. —Tal Axelrod, ABC News, 15 Oct. 2024

The book does raise the question of how much biology is destiny. —Chris Willman, Variety, 9 Oct. 2024

Trump’s inroads with Latino voters suggest that this might not be the case—that demography might not be destiny after all. —Geraldo Cadava, The New Yorker, 9 Oct. 2024

The Mayor of Rome was at first bewildered, and then ended up laughing about the Macron Doctrine regarding Emily Cooper’s destiny. —Alan Friedman, The Hollywood Reporter, 9 Oct. 2024