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 The Wolves were fortunate to only trail 62-60 at the break, thanks to a 19-point half from Julius Randle and a couple of key triples in the final minutes of the half from Edwards to stem the tide. Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 13 May 2025 The Talmud and Quran also express compassion and a duty to the less fortunate. Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 13 May 2025 Two fortunate fishermen in the Mountain State recently broke two statewide records, both on the same day. Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 12 May 2025 Jesus spoke, in every Gospel, about loving the poor, serving the less fortunate, and caring for each other. Dr. James W. Cox-Chapman, Hartford Courant, 11 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for fortunate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fortunate
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
  • In another instance, the lucky baby received 1 million frequent-flyer miles.
    Michael Nied, People.com, 12 May 2025
  • 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

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Cite this Entry

“Fortunate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fortunate. Accessed 23 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on fortunate

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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