destiny

noun

des·​ti·​ny ˈde-stə-nē How to pronounce destiny (audio)
plural destinies
1
: something to which a person or thing is destined : fortune
wants to control his own destiny
2
: a predetermined course of events often held to be an irresistible power or agency
felt that destiny would determine their future
Choose the Right Synonym for destiny

fate, destiny, lot, portion, doom mean a predetermined state or end.

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 Web For 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

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of destiny was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near destiny

Cite this Entry

“Destiny.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/destiny. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

destiny

noun
des·​ti·​ny ˈdes-tə-nē How to pronounce destiny (audio)
plural destinies
1
: something to which a person or thing is destined : fortune
2
: the course of events held to be arranged by a superhuman power

More from Merriam-Webster on destiny

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