providence

noun

prov·​i·​dence ˈprä-və-dən(t)s 

-ˌden(t)s

1

a

often Providence : divine guidance or care

… a sincere belief in providence, in which their religious faith often plays a major role.

—Christine Emba

It implied that God acts freely and purposefully and that he exercises his providence over individuals.

—Philip J. Davis

b

Providence : God conceived as the power sustaining and guiding human destiny

put his faith in divine Providence

2

: the quality or state of being provident

Synonyms of providence

• saving
• economy
• thrift
• frugality

Examples of providence in a Sentence

practicing its customary providence, the snowbound family was able to make the meager stores last until help arrived

had the providence to lay in supplies before the storm hit

Recent Examples on the Web

Lockport looks to make some noise again, but Providence brings back a bunch from powerhouse team. —Steve Millar, Chicago Tribune, 16 Mar. 2026

That there is no providence, only circumstance. —Jacob Stern, The Atlantic, 16 Mar. 2026

Hodgson, a New York native who was an assistant at Buffalo, is expected to be in the mix at Syracuse, and his name has also been discussed at Providence. —Cj Moore, New York Times, 13 Mar. 2026

Vaaks led Providence with 23 points and went 5-of-9 on 3-pointers, while Jaylin Sellers — the Big East’s leading scorer — added 21 points. —Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 12 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin providentia, from provident-, providens

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for providence

• improvidence

Kids Definition

providence

noun

prov·​i·​dence ˈpräv-əd-ən(t)s 

-ə-ˌden(t)s

1

a

often capitalized : divine guidance or care

b

capitalized : God as the guide and protector of all human beings

2

: the quality or state of being provident : prudence

Geographical Definition

Providence

geographical name

Prov·​i·​dence ˈprä-və-dən(t)s 

-ˌden(t)s

city in northern Rhode Island that is the state capital and a port at the head of the Providence River (a northern arm of Narragansett Bay) population 178,042