Definition of fortunatenext

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 However, feelings of compassion for those who are less fortunate will be strong. Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 2 May 2026 Except perhaps for those rare and fortunate circumstances when a satire gains enough momentum to be read by a wide enough audience to penetrate public discourse, the kind of change satire makes has always been at the level of the individual. Literary Hub, 1 May 2026 He will not just be missed by those of us who were honored and fortunate to call him friend but by thousands of Floridians who benefitted from his kindness, generosity and humanity. Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 30 Apr. 2026 More than anything, the past two days illustrate how thin the margins can be and how fortunate the Padres have been and how being resilient doesn’t always work out. Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for fortunate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fortunate
Adjective
  • The typically nine-person panel of global filmmakers, actors, and artists is tasked with reviewing around 20 films before deciding the competition’s winners and awarding the prestigious Palme d’Or to one lucky film.
    Savannah Walsh, Vanity Fair, 8 May 2026
  • Starmer is lucky in that there are three plausible alternatives to him as leader, and all of them are, in different ways, stymied.
    Isaac Chotiner, New Yorker, 8 May 2026
Adjective
  • Yes, The Comeback put on a happy face, for Valerie’s sake.
    Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 11 May 2026
  • The games, piled high on shelves and tables, actually had an organization system, something Carolyn was not used to but was quite happy about.
    Carolyn Komatsoulis, Idaho Statesman, 11 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Fortunate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fortunate. Accessed 16 May. 2026.

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