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 Justin Herbert, up there now among MVP favorites, was pressured an astonishing 29 times, hit 14 (the most times one of their QBs has been hit in 20 years) and was fortunate to be sacked just five times. Nick Canepa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 Sep. 2025 Sorensen says Options is fortunate to have partners, including Rydell NWR staff and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, that allow the hunt to happen. Brad Dokken, Twin Cities, 27 Sep. 2025 Those providing the information — the content — weren’t nearly as fortunate. Mark Dent, HubSpot, 26 Sep. 2025 None of Blowing Rock’s infrastructure was destroyed in the storm, calling itself extremely fortunate. Charlotte Observer, 26 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for fortunate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fortunate
Adjective
  • The four pillars of happy, Nordic companies that Autio highlights—autonomy, low power distance, work-life balance and collaboration—come as a package.
    Adam Gale, Fortune, 9 Oct. 2025
  • One suggests Candy may not have been entirely happy with the script and was reluctant to even make it.
    Simon Bland, IndieWire, 8 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Here are luckiest numbers, places to play Did anyone win Powerball last night, October 4, 2025?
    Chris Sims, IndyStar, 5 Oct. 2025
  • The lucky ticket was sold at a MAPCO service station in Waynesville, which is about a 30-mile drive west from Asheville.
    Don Sweeney, Charlotte Observer, 5 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Fortunate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fortunate. Accessed 9 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on fortunate

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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