Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of providential are fortunate, happy, and lucky. While all these words mean "meeting with unforeseen success," providential more definitely implies the help or intervention of a higher power.

a providential change in the weather

When is fortunate a more appropriate choice than providential?

While the synonyms fortunate and providential are close in meaning, fortunate suggests being rewarded beyond one's deserts.

fortunate in my investments

How is happy related to other words for providential?

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

a series of happy accidents

In what contexts can lucky take the place of providential?

The meanings of lucky and providential largely overlap; however, lucky stresses the agency of chance in bringing about a favorable result.

won because of a lucky bounce

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 providential Russia’s longstanding pursuit of a global position beyond its means—its aspiration to be a providential power, with a special mission in the world—has led it, again and again, to autocratic rule. WSJ, 4 Nov. 2022 Many a past biographer has observed that Lincoln understood himself as an actor in a providential drama. John Fabian Witt, Washington Post, 24 Oct. 2022 Meacham bids to be the redeemer in chief of the narrative of American exceptionalism: the venerable if now-shopworn story in which the United States has a providential and world-historic role as a nation distinctively dedicated to human liberty. John Fabian Witt, Washington Post, 24 Oct. 2022 Church tradition affirms the providential nature of international commerce. Dylan Pahman, WSJ, 20 Oct. 2022 See All Example Sentences for providential
Recent Examples of Synonyms for providential
Adjective
  • Colorado finished the period with 19 shots on goal — and held a ridiculous 10-1 edge in high-danger scoring chances, per Natural Stat Trick — and Oettinger and the Stars were somewhat fortunate to only be down two.
    Mark Lazerus, New York Times, 2 May 2025
  • But not every family is fortunate enough to live near them.
    Matt Robison, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 May 2025
Adjective
  • She isn’t fixated on having the right or the most happy kinds of experiences, exactly.
    Deborah Treisman, New Yorker, 4 May 2025
  • Schwarber was 3-for-12 with seven strikeouts against Luzardo over the years, and he’s joked that no one was happier about the trade than him.
    Matt Gelb, New York Times, 3 May 2025
Adjective
  • The five lucky contestants advancing in this season of American Idol are 29-year-old Thunderstorm Artis, 18-year-old John Foster, 25-year-old Breanna Nix, 27-year-old Jamal Roberts, and 18-year-old Slater Nalley.
    Monica Mercuri, Forbes.com, 12 May 2025
  • In another instance, the lucky baby received 1 million frequent-flyer miles.
    Michael Nied, People.com, 12 May 2025
Adjective
  • The company’s investments in its North American supply chain were in place before the Trump administration’s tariffs on dozens of countries, but the timing is fortuitous.
    Amelia Lucas, CNBC, 9 May 2025
  • The timing of the Stan deal is fortuitous with Keyes currently in Australia on a book tour.
    Stewart Clarke, Deadline, 8 May 2025
Adjective
  • Conventional wisdom would tell us this level of dominance was a one-time thing, a coincidental product of nearly every league member trending up at the same time.
    Jim Root, New York Times, 29 Apr. 2025
  • Scientific studies have identified well over 400 compounds, but the idea that 420 is the definitive number is purely coincidental and not scientifically accurate.
    Matt Rozo, Mercury News, 3 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Providential.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/providential. Accessed 17 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on providential

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