Synonym Chooser

How is the word fortunate different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of fortunate are happy, lucky, and providential. While all these words mean "meeting with unforeseen success," fortunate suggests being rewarded beyond one's deserts.

fortunate in my investments

How does the word happy relate to other synonyms for fortunate?

Happy combines the implications of lucky and fortunate with stress on being blessed.

a series of happy accidents

When is lucky a more appropriate choice than fortunate?

While the synonyms lucky and fortunate are close in meaning, lucky stresses the agency of chance in bringing about a favorable result.

won because of a lucky bounce

Where would providential be a reasonable alternative to fortunate?

In some situations, the words providential and fortunate are roughly equivalent. However, providential more definitely implies the help or intervention of a higher power.

a providential change in the weather

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of fortunate The Wave have been fortunate that Orlando and Washington have also stumbled, keeping the gap small. Fernando Ramirez, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Aug. 2025 But fortunate for Marian, her Aunt Ada (Cynthia Nixon), as well as good friend Peggy (Denée Benton), have been on board. Ronda Racha Penrice, HollywoodReporter, 8 Aug. 2025 Therefore, Senator Murphy may be in a fortunate position. Paul Goldman, Hartford Courant, 7 Aug. 2025 And people are fortunate to have that, to at least experience it. EW.com, 7 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for fortunate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fortunate
Adjective
  • Opened just last year, Norm’s already feels like a neighbourhood institution worn in by years of happy regulars.
    Bon Appétit Staff & Contributors, Bon Appetit Magazine, 20 Aug. 2025
  • Rainbows represent happy things – Noah’s Ark, Wizard of Oz, Unicorns, etc.
    Ticked Off, The Orlando Sentinel, 20 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Meanwhile, over at Castle Leathers, Julia’s playing 4-D chess with a man who’d be lucky to win a game of Tiddlywinks.
    Kimberly Roots, TVLine, 15 Aug. 2025
  • The Moon is in your sign dancing with fair Venus and lucky, moneybags Jupiter.
    Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 15 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Fortunate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fortunate. Accessed 27 Aug. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on fortunate

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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