fate implies an inevitable and usually an adverse outcome.
the fate of the submarine is unknown
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
lot and portion imply a distribution by fate or destiny, lot suggesting blind chance
it was her lot to die childless
, portion implying the apportioning of good and evil.
remorse was his daily portion
doom distinctly implies a grim or calamitous fate.
if the rebellion fails, his doom is certain
Examples of destiny in a Sentence
They believed it was their destiny to be together.
motivated by a sense of destiny
Recent Examples on the WebFor all its drawbacks and discomforts, the chaos of Manila offers the promise of life, human connection and unpredictable destiny, as opposed to kodokushi’s dark, silent certainty.—Patrick Frater, Variety, 10 Mar. 2024 After three death-defying adventures defeating world-class villains with his unmatched courage and mad martial arts skills, Po, the Dragon Warrior (Black), is called upon by destiny to … give it a rest already.—Lester Fabian Brathwaite, EW.com, 10 Mar. 2024 How will Utah’s latest attempt to play a bigger role in shaping the coal plant’s destiny — which was written up here by the Deseret News’ Amy Joi O’Donoghue — affect L.A.’s plans to shift to climate-friendly energy at Intermountain?—Sammy Roth, Los Angeles Times, 5 Mar. 2024 The disillusioned Chani, who had fought to protect Paul from his dark destiny, is last seen alone in the dunes calling for her sandworm out of town.—Bryan Alexander, USA TODAY, 2 Mar. 2024 By charting new paths outside the narrow confines of the entertainment industry, individuals like Henson reclaim agency over their careers and financial destinies.—Kalina Bryant, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2024 As Lady Margot, member of that aforementioned Sisterhood that has everything to do with Paul’s destiny and nothing to do with traveling pants, Léa Seydoux is seductive and secretive.—Tom Gliatto, Peoplemag, 29 Feb. 2024 Filmmaker, Denis Villeneuve leans into the costs of love and destiny — Zendaya’s epoch-making role of Chani carries the weight of her people, usurping Imperium forces, and intergalactic warfare.—Essence, 28 Feb. 2024 Set in an age when the Targaryen line still holds the Iron Throne and the memory of the last dragon has not yet passed from living memory, great destinies, powerful foes and dangerous exploits all await these improbable and incomparable friends.—Erik Kain, Forbes, 24 Feb. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'destiny.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Etymology
Middle English destinee, from Anglo-French, from feminine of destiné, past participle of destiner — see destine
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