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

In 2017 Providence was a semifinalist for outstanding service, and on Monday the fine-dining Hollywood restaurant won the award for outstanding hospitality. —Stephanie Breijo, Los Angeles Times, 16 June 2026

Providence, one of only two three-star-Michelin joints in Los Angeles (the other being Somni), won Outstanding Hospitality. —Brock Keeling, Daily News, 16 June 2026

Providence follows the four-person crew of an interstellar warship on a multiyear mission of revenge. —Alexandra Oliva, The Atlantic, 12 June 2026

Gillian Lang has been an Airbnb host for about a year in Providence, renting out an accessory dwelling unit that features a living/dining area with a bathroom/bedroom, and its own entry. —Lance Reynolds, Boston Herald, 8 June 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