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

Providence then recovered an onside kick to make things interesting, but two more turnovers down the stretch halted the comeback. — Steve Millar, Chicago Tribune, 18 Sep. 2026

Data from the European Forest Fire Information System shows that the Leon providence had some of Spain’s worst wildfires on record in 2025, per France 24. — Charlotte Phillipp, PEOPLE, 16 Aug. 2026

Providence-area realtor Christina Rosciti said that Providence gives retirees and senors the chance to experience a very walkable city with a great arts and culture scene, a gorgeous view of the water, enjoyable and acclaimed restaurants. — Rin Velasco, The Providence Journal, 7 Aug. 2026

Providence will exit its ownership stake upon the closing of the deal. — Brian Steinberg, Variety, 6 Aug. 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)