Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of lucky are fortunate, happy, and providential. While all these words mean "meeting with unforeseen success," lucky stresses the agency of chance in bringing about a favorable result.

won because of a lucky bounce

When is fortunate a more appropriate choice than lucky?

The meanings of fortunate and lucky largely overlap; however, fortunate suggests being rewarded beyond one's deserts.

fortunate in my investments

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

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

a series of happy accidents

When can providential be used instead of lucky?

Although the words providential and lucky have much in common, 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 lucky Spring flings are in and passions are running hot—especially on May 22, when amorous Venus makes a lucky trine to feisty Mars in your relationship zone. Nina Kahn, StyleCaster, 28 Apr. 2025 Drawing inspiration from lucky four-leaf clovers, the event will feature different stages and activities that cater specifically to K-pop fans while promising the good fortune of access to their favorite artists. Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 28 Apr. 2025 Two speedboat racers are lucky to be alive after a terrifying crash at Lake Havasu in Arizona on Saturday in which their vessel went flipping and flying through the air before slamming back onto the surface of the water. Greg Wehner, FOXNews.com, 27 Apr. 2025 Penn’s parents left the country before the most brutal years, 1975 to 1979, but her maternal grandmother wasn’t as lucky. Sadiya Ansari Spandita Malik, New York Times, 26 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for lucky
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lucky
Adjective
  • Adopting it for use cases that support human workers, rather than attempting to replace them, is likely to lead to happier, less stressed and ultimately more productive employees.
    Bernard Marr, Forbes.com, 22 Apr. 2025
  • Larry David doesn't sound happy about Bill Maher's dinner with President Donald Trump.
    Brendan Morrow, USA Today, 22 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Orlando lost to Boston 103-86 at TD Garden in Game 1, but in some ways, Orlando was fortunate the outcome wasn’t more lopsided.
    Josh Robbins, New York Times, 21 Apr. 2025
  • For the education sector as a whole, and for the preservation of academic freedom, Kimball pointed out to me, the decision to target Harvard may turn out to be a fortunate miscalculation.
    John Cassidy, New Yorker, 21 Apr. 2025

Cite this Entry

“Lucky.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lucky. Accessed 4 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on lucky

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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