Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of lucky are fortunate, happy, and providential. While all these words mean "meeting with unforeseen success," lucky stresses the agency of chance in bringing about a favorable result.

won because of a lucky bounce

When is fortunate a more appropriate choice than lucky?

The meanings of fortunate and lucky largely overlap; however, fortunate suggests being rewarded beyond one's deserts.

fortunate in my investments

How does the word happy relate to other synonyms for lucky?

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

a series of happy accidents

When can providential be used instead of lucky?

Although the words providential and lucky have much in common, 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 lucky Ethan Hawke and his frequent collaborator, director Richard Linklater, popped by Entertainment Weekly's 2025 Toronto International Film Festival studio just as lucky ticket holders got an early look at their latest project, Blue Moon. Jordan Hoffman, Entertainment Weekly, 13 Sep. 2025 Cruz’s next pitch wasn’t so lucky. Gabrielle Starr, Boston Herald, 13 Sep. 2025 Lloyd Weil, Akron’s mayor, had declared a holiday, freeing from their desks and assembly lines those workers lucky enough to have jobs during the depths of the Great Depression. Chris Stirewalt, The Hill, 12 Sep. 2025 Fans can enter a contest on the farm’s Instagram page and one lucky couple will have their initials carved into a personalized corn maze heart at the farm. Tammy Ljungblad, Kansas City Star, 12 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for lucky
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lucky
Adjective
  • Nadel, who is openly gay, muses on how the deaths of gay men subsidized his easy, happy childhood.
    The New Yorker, New Yorker, 10 Sep. 2025
  • Though Todd and Julie's homecoming was received with overwhelming warmth by the extended Chrisley clan and all their friends, not every member of the core crew is happy with how the pick-up went down.
    Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 10 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Her rationale is that because she’s borrowed over $20,000 to pay for her wedding, her more financially fortunate guests should help those struggling in the areas of gifts, transportation, hotel costs, childcare, elder care, etc.
    Judith Martin, Mercury News, 12 Sep. 2025
  • After a lackluster showing on both sides of the ball Sunday against the Raiders, the model has lost a little faith in the Patriots' ability to take advantage of a fortunate schedule.
    Austin Mock, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2025

Cite this Entry

“Lucky.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lucky. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on lucky

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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