providential
adjective
prov·i·den·tial
ˌprä-və-ˈden(t)-shəl 
1
: of, relating to, or determined by Providence
2
archaic
: marked by foresight : prudent
3
: occurring by or as if by an intervention of Providence
a providential escape
Examples of providential in a Sentence
We had made a providential escape.
It seemed providential that he should arrive at just that moment.
Recent Examples on the Web
The idea also arises from the notion that history is linear, directional, even providential.
—
Richard Stengel, Time, 1 Oct. 2025
His lurching flow sifts through all the pieces, gradually assembling them into a warm, providential ode to the two men who fundamentally shaped both his life and, unwittingly, each other’s.
—Stephen Kearse, Vulture, 4 Feb. 2025
Their switch to EVs was also providential.
—IEEE Spectrum, 3 Dec. 2022
Russia’s longstanding pursuit of a global position beyond its means—its aspiration to be a providential power, with a special mission in the world—has led it, again and again, to autocratic rule.
—WSJ, 4 Nov. 2022
See All Example Sentences for providential
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Richard Stengel, Time, 1 Oct. 2025
His lurching flow sifts through all the pieces, gradually assembling them into a warm, providential ode to the two men who fundamentally shaped both his life and, unwittingly, each other’s.
—Stephen Kearse, Vulture, 4 Feb. 2025
Their switch to EVs was also providential.
—IEEE Spectrum, 3 Dec. 2022
Russia’s longstanding pursuit of a global position beyond its means—its aspiration to be a providential power, with a special mission in the world—has led it, again and again, to autocratic rule.
—WSJ, 4 Nov. 2022
See All Example Sentences for providential
Cite this Entry
“Providential.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/providential. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
providential
adjective
prov·i·den·tial
ˌpräv-ə-ˈden-chəl
1
: of, relating to, or determined by Providence
providential guidance
2
: fortunate sense 1, timely
a providential escape
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