destiny
9 synonyms and 3 antonyms for destiny, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — The events that will necessarily happen to someone or something in the future, especially when thought of as being outside anyone's control.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use destiny
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
fulfil your destiny
shape your own destiny
a sense of destiny
Etymology
From Old French destinee, from Latin destinare, "to determine or fix".
Full origin of destiny →Frequently asked questions
What does “destiny” mean?
The word “destiny” means the events that will necessarily happen to someone or something in the future, especially when thought of as being outside anyone's control. In plain terms, a person's or thing's eventual fate, especially when it feels predetermined.
How do you pronounce “destiny”?
“Destiny” is pronounced DEHS-tih-nee (/ˈdɛs.tɪ.ni/ in IPA).
How do you use “destiny” in a sentence?
Here is “destiny” used in a sentence: “She believed it was her destiny to become a doctor.”
What part of speech is “destiny”?
“Destiny” is a noun.
Where does the word “destiny” come from?
The word “destiny” comes from Latin. From Old French destinee, from Latin destinare, "to determine or fix".
Is “destiny” a common word?
“Destiny” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
What is the difference between destiny and fate?
Both refer to events that are set to happen and are seen as beyond a person's control. In common usage, 'fate' often carries a sense of an inescapable, sometimes negative outcome, while 'destiny' can suggest a purpose one is meant to fulfil, though the two words are frequently interchangeable.
What is the difference between destiny and fortune?
Fortune refers to luck or chance and the good or bad turns of events it brings. Destiny is the predetermined course of events thought to be fixed in advance, so fortune emphasizes chance while destiny emphasizes what is meant to be.
What is the difference between destiny and free will?
Destiny suggests that certain events are fixed in advance and outside anyone's control. Free will is the ability to make one's own choices, so the two ideas are often contrasted in discussions of whether the future is predetermined.
Is 'destiny' countable?
Destiny is usually uncountable when it means the overall predetermined course of events. It can be countable when referring to the futures of different people, as in 'the destinies of two nations.'
