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 Marin is fortunate to have a healthy harbor seal population, Ratner said. Adrian Rodriguez, Mercury News, 16 June 2025 This is an unspeakably tragic day for Minnesotans, especially the many of us fortunate enough to know them personally. Molly Guthrey, Twin Cities, 14 June 2025 Although aurora can occasionally be seen in deep twilight, the display needs to be strong and the timing of outbursts fortunate. Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 13 June 2025 Kendall Jenner may be able to afford $890 flip-flops, but most of us are not so fortunate. Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 7 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for fortunate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fortunate
Adjective
  • The Giants were happy with the investment after year one of the deal.
    Justin Grasso, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 June 2025
  • The weather was beautiful, the crowd polite, proud and happy.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 21 June 2025
Adjective
  • Big lottery wins around the U.S. include a lucky lottery ticketholder in California who won a $1.27 billion Mega Millions jackpot in December 2024.
    Jay Cannon, USA Today, 27 June 2025
  • The lucky ticket was sold at a Quik Stop in Gilroy, which is about an 85-mile drive southeast from San Francisco, the lottery said.
    Don Sweeney, Sacbee.com, 26 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Fortunate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fortunate. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on fortunate

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