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 Gabriel isn’t so lucky and dies after unfurling his parachute and cracking his head on the rudder. Jordan Moreau, Variety, 23 May 2025 Curiously, the top three casinos are not in Las Vegas—Florida’s Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa was deemed the luckiest casino in America with the Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, New York and the Choctaw Casino Resort in Durant, Oklahoma rounding out the top three. Forbes Staff, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025 They are play — there’s always one, the lucky dumpling, that my parents fill with black peppercorns to award a prize to its unfortunate recipient, like finding a Golden Ticket. Daria Lavelle, People.com, 23 May 2025 In another instance, the lucky baby received 1 million frequent-flyer miles. Michael Nied, People.com, 12 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for lucky
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lucky
Adjective
  • Buck, too, is looking for a new place, while Eddie is happy to see his son thriving with friends in Los Angeles.
    Randall Colburn, EW.com, 16 May 2025
  • People are generally happy to see you and talk with you, regardless of any differences.
    Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 May 2025
Adjective
  • Throughout his life, Joe Don touched many lives with his warmth and compassion, leaving an indelible mark on everyone fortunate enough to know him.
    Tommy McArdle, People.com, 15 May 2025
  • Metallica is fortunate to claim several such successes, and the pioneering band has a handful of tracks in its discography that have stood the test of time.
    Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 14 May 2025

Cite this Entry

“Lucky.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lucky. Accessed 29 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on lucky

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!