portion 1 of 2

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

Examples 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
These arrests involve individuals with prior convictions in the U.S. or abroad and are only a portion of total Border Patrol apprehensions, according to the Customs and Border Protection website. Andre Byik, Austin American-Statesman, 27 Nov. 2024 Go light on heavy foods and keep your portion sizes reasonable. Chris Morris, Fortune, 27 Nov. 2024
Verb
Scoop cookie dough: Using a 1/4-cup scoop, portion the dough into 16 cookies. Joey Skladany, Southern Living, 20 Oct. 2024 Not too salty, not too sweet, each bento box is carefully portioned by food group to meet federal nutrition standards. Jireh Deng, Los Angeles Times, 4 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for portion 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for portion
Noun
  • Dating back to classical antiquity, the idea that a soothsayer can tell something about a person’s health, disposition, or destiny from the lines on their palm has long fascinated seers and scientists alike.
    The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 30 Oct. 2024
  • Some of these connections may feel like more than a chance encounter, particularly around November 16, when Venus squares the lunar nodes and advances the plot through a subtle date with destiny.
    Steph Koyfman, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Oct. 2024
Noun
  • All of this is part of our mission to promote lifelong learning and foster a sense of community.
    Barbara D. Hathaway, Austin American-Statesman, 22 Nov. 2024
  • According to a press release, Kings Island's new family-friendly entertainment is part of a $1 billion investment that Six Flags is making over the next two years to enhance the guest experience at its 42 parks.
    Haadiza Ogwude, The Enquirer, 22 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • EchoStar shares, which closed at $26.13 on Monday, were at $21.99 on Thursday, a sign that investors weren’t pleased with the sale falling apart — although the earnings report could have played into the decline.
    Aldo Svaldi, The Denver Post, 15 Nov. 2024
  • Meanwhile, Berkshire also added more than 400,000 shares of pool equipment wholesale distributor Pool Corp. (POOL+3.51%), valued at about $152 million.
    Rocio Fabbro, Quartz, 15 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • In New Jersey, rain is usually distributed evenly over the months, state climatologist Dave Robinson said.
    Melissa Chan, NBC News, 13 Nov. 2024
  • Mubi distributes the film throughout most of Europe and Latin America, while A24 distributes in the USA.
    Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 7 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • After his sudden death, the fate of the show — which also stars Nicole Scherzinger, Kelly Rowland and AJ McLean as host — remains unclear.
    Daniela Avila, People.com, 20 Nov. 2024
  • All the noir elements are here, obsession, desire, fate, all the classic characters, visual keys and thematic threads, but reimagined, remade to explore one central question – will the youth of today cave in to conformity, or turn the world on its head?
    Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 19 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • Sometimes the signs of emotional abuse are not immediately apparent, but the Hotline has a comprehensive section that provides more information, examples and options for determining next steps.
    R. Eric Thomas, The Denver Post, 16 Nov. 2024
  • The school moved from 11th and Catharine to its current location on South Broad Street in 1997, and the section in front of the school was named Boyz II Men Boulevard in 2017.
    Tribune News Service, The Mercury News, 15 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • In cities like Toronto, Boston, New York, and Vancouver, buildings can contribute even higher proportions sometimes exceeding 50% of the total greenhouse gas emissions.
    Ali Hoss, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024
  • While the 58% result for the most recent financial year is heartening, this has been influenced by a higher proportion of women, non-binary and/or gender diverse people in producer roles (61%).
    Patrick Frater, Variety, 19 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • With that, they’re equipped with the energy and focus to dispense their own pep talks again.
    Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 16 Nov. 2024
  • In January 2023, Sinema, speaking in Davos, Switzerland, told many of the world’s wealthiest and most influential leaders there was no need to dispense with the legislative filibuster after the 2022 midterms two months earlier.
    Ronald J. Hansen, The Arizona Republic, 12 Nov. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near portion

Cite this Entry

“Portion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/portion. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on portion

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!