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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective fortuitous differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of fortuitous are accidental, casual, and contingent. While all these words mean "not amenable to planning or prediction," fortuitous so strongly suggests chance that it often connotes entire absence of cause.

a series of fortuitous events

When is it sensible to use accidental instead of fortuitous?

The meanings of accidental and fortuitous largely overlap; however, accidental stresses chance.

any resemblance to actual persons is entirely accidental

When might casual be a better fit than fortuitous?

While in some cases nearly identical to fortuitous, casual stresses lack of real or apparent premeditation or intent.

a casual encounter with a stranger

When could contingent be used to replace fortuitous?

Although the words contingent and fortuitous have much in common, contingent suggests possibility of happening but stresses uncertainty and dependence on other future events for existence or occurrence.

the contingent effects of the proposed law

Examples 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 fortuitous Martinelli cut back onto his right foot and fired his shot against the post, but a fortuitous rebound hit Riznyk on the back and the helpless Shakhtar goalkeeper turned around to see the ball creep over the line. Matias Grez, CNN, 22 Oct. 2024 However, a fortuitous pass interference penalty in the final minute set up kicker Younghoe Koo, who connected on a career-long 58-yard field goal with two seconds remaining to deliver the win for the Falcons. Jim Reineking, USA TODAY, 30 Sep. 2024 Of those four, two were motel conversions, which turned out to be a fortuitous niche. Anna Scott, Los Angeles Times, 17 Sep. 2024 The fortuitous appearance of a double – the depressive recluse Dom (also played by Abel) – seems to offer the perfect decoy. Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 30 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for fortuitous 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fortuitous
Adjective
  • Parkin said the company was fortunate to find a facility in Shelbyville that already fit the size and capabilities needed with only some retooling and minimal construction needed to outfit the building for battery production.
    Connor Giffin, The Courier-Journal, 15 Nov. 2024
  • For us and for other animals, however, there’s a second fortunate result: Oxygen.
    Cody Cottier, Discover Magazine, 4 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • The accidental shot that killed Hutchins also struck Souza in the shoulder, narrowly missing his spine.
    Patrick Brzeski, The Hollywood Reporter, 20 Nov. 2024
  • The film tells the story of a 13-year-old boy who, left to fend for himself and his younger brother following their parents’ deaths in 1880s Wyoming, goes on the run with his long-estranged grandfather after he’s sentenced to hang for the accidental killing of a local rancher.
    Zac Ntim, Deadline, 19 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Anything as long as Sad Obsessive Shut-In Number One is happy!
    Lindy Segal, Allure, 21 Nov. 2024
  • This was a stroke of marketing genius, and plenty of producers were happy to oblige.
    Jason Lipshutz, Billboard, 20 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • With its strategic approach and commitment to innovation, the crypto platform has propelled BNB Chain to unexpected heights within a short period.
    Jon Stojan, Austin American-Statesman, 22 Nov. 2024
  • Season 4 of the Basketball Africa League (BAL) was nothing short of exhilarating, filled with packed arenas, buzzer-beaters, thrilling overtime games, unexpected upsets, and inspiring underdog victories.
    Sindiswa Mabunda, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Our floor-through apartment on Bond Street is my luckiest business decision and my only retirement fund.
    Suzanne Seggerman, Curbed, 14 Nov. 2024
  • The Moon is in your sign dancing beautifully with lucky Jupiter, which is good for business.
    Georgia Nicols, The Denver Post, 13 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • The timing for her relocation from the U.S. to the Netherlands – also her first time living overseas – was coincidental.
    Kathleen Wong, USA TODAY, 6 Nov. 2024
  • Any resemblance between himself and a real-life POTUS are, of course, coincidental.
    David Fear, Rolling Stone, 10 Oct. 2024

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Thesaurus Entries Near fortuitous

Cite this Entry

“Fortuitous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fortuitous. Accessed 3 Dec. 2024.

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