serendipitous

adjective

ser·​en·​dip·​i·​tous ˌser-ən-ˈdi-pə-təs How to pronounce serendipitous (audio)
: obtained or characterized by serendipity
serendipitous discoveries
serendipitously adverb

Examples of serendipitous in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web If so, perhaps Enceladus is a microcosm of the universe: a serendipitous combination of tidal heating and radioactivity. Quanta Magazine, 2 Nov. 2023 The couple’s baby came at a serendipitous time — the day of the Super Bowl on Feb. 12, 2023. Rebecca Aizin, Peoplemag, 23 Oct. 2023 The world’s poor would no longer need to rely on serendipitous discoveries of a dual-use drug. Christopher B. Barrett, Foreign Affairs, 25 Sep. 2023 By Alice Park October 5, 2023 2:31 PM EDT There’s been a surge in demand for a class of diabetes drugs that are now popular for their serendipitous byproduct: weight loss. Alice Park, TIME, 5 Oct. 2023 The original band’s success, in his view, was less about genius than serendipitous timing. Steve Smith, New York Times, 25 Sep. 2023 In a moment of serendipitous timing, Blenders found out that Sanders — recently named the coach at Colorado — was hunting an eyewear deal. Bryce Miller, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 Sep. 2023 Film festivals are often elevated by moments of serendipitous discovery. Justin Chang, Los Angeles Times, 5 Sep. 2023 Instead of a serendipitous smile, though, Harris received the cold shoulder from her colleague. Kalia Richardson, Rolling Stone, 17 Sep. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'serendipitous.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1943, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of serendipitous was in 1943

Dictionary Entries Near serendipitous

Cite this Entry

“Serendipitous.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/serendipitous. Accessed 2 Dec. 2023.

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