Definition of portionnext

portion

2 of 2

verb

Synonym Chooser

How is the word portion distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of portion are destiny, doom, fate, and lot. While all these words mean "a predetermined state or end," portion implies the apportioning of good and evil.

remorse was his daily portion

When might destiny be a better fit than portion?

The synonyms destiny and portion are sometimes interchangeable, but 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

In what contexts can doom take the place of portion?

Although the words doom and portion have much in common, doom distinctly implies a grim or calamitous fate.

if the rebellion fails, his doom is certain

When could fate be used to replace portion?

The meanings of fate and portion largely overlap; however, fate implies an inevitable and usually an adverse outcome.

the fate of the submarine is unknown

How are the words lot and portion related?

Both lot and portion imply a distribution by fate or destiny, lot suggesting blind chance.

it was her lot to die childless

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 portion
Noun
The licenses to hunt the elephants were issued in districts across the country, with each receiving a portion of the overall quota. — Sello Motseta, Los Angeles Times, 2 Oct. 2026 However, some students spoke in front of reporters for a public portion of the event. — Gloria Pazmino, CNN Money, 2 Oct. 2026
Verb
Desserts such as the Jamaican rum cake with coconut ice cream are portioned for sharing. — John Kessler, Chicago Tribune, 8 Sep. 2026 And this is where the genius kicks in—instead of being one giant space where things get stuffed on top of one another and nothing’s accessible, it’s portioned into customizable shelves. — Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 4 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for portion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for portion
Noun
  • Noir, by contrast, brooks no such substitutions, because its conception of authenticity cannot allow for alternative destinies.
    — Harmon Siegel, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2026
  • But antifascism remained a vital part of Americans’ self-conception, as if entering the war and winning it had always been America’s destiny.
    — Beverly Gage, New Yorker, 28 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • As of now, Bryan is still scheduled to return to Gillette stadium on Saturday evening as part of his sold-out With Heaven On Tour.
    — Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 3 Oct. 2026
  • The alerts have become an increasingly familiar part of life near the border.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 3 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Dozens of flights to and from Catalina Island have crashed over the years, with pilots saying the airport poses its share of challenges.
    — Fedor Zarkhin, Los Angeles Times, 3 Oct. 2026
  • Until now, scientists could measure the total phosphorus preserved in ancient rocks, but determining the share that was actually available to marine life remained challenging.
    — Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 3 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Troutman is charged with conspiracy to possess narcotics with intent to distribute, Hobbs Act extortion under color of official right and racketeering promotion.
    — Sofia Saric, Miami Herald, 1 Oct. 2026
  • True transformation occurs​ when AI changes how decisions are made, how expertise is distributed, how work moves through the organization and how value is delivered to customers.
    — Jason Marx, Forbes.com, 1 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • The fate of Sierra is in the hands of 12 jurors who are tasked with deciding whether Sierra, who pleaded guilty to the murders, should be condemned to death or sentenced to life in prison.
    — Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 5 Oct. 2026
  • With the fate of the Protect College Sports Act in limbo in Congress, the NCAA will need to continue litigating lawsuits over player eligibility.
    — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 5 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • That album drew Simmons’ bass and Bindeman’s drums to the fore of the mix, letting Harris’ guitar and vocals foam behind the rhythm section’s discrete peaks.
    — Sasha Geffen, Pitchfork, 8 Oct. 2026
  • Elephants in the Fog competed in the Un Certain Regard section at the Cannes Film Festival this year, winning the Jury Prize.
    — Stewart Clarke, Deadline, 8 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Given medium, proportions, and form, from a distance Shift is barely distinguishable from the land.
    — Jeffrey Weiss, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2026
  • The pigments were matched to sunsets painted by Turner and Monet, the sublime effects of which were caused by pollution from the Industrial Revolution, and so the work was likewise beautiful in direct proportion to the poisoning of our atmosphere.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 1 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • The data feed will carry the details of every transaction, including what was dispensed, how much was dispensed, and how it was covered.
    — John Mildenberger, STAT, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Once activated, the malware sends a command directing the ATM to dispense cash without debiting a customer’s account.
    — Antonio Maria Delgado, Miami Herald, 30 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Portion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/portion. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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