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 So, where was the lucky ticket sold? Simone Jasper, Miami Herald, 3 Oct. 2025 This expansive and lucky planet shows us how to grow our minds. Lisa Stardust, Vogue, 2 Oct. 2025 The Dash was particularly successful and considered uniquely lucky. Leanna Renee Hieber, Big Think, 2 Oct. 2025 Others in his situation weren’t so lucky. Chris Branch, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for lucky
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lucky
Adjective
  • Events on the cheap Here are some must-see sites that will make your bank account happy.
    Craig Shoup, Nashville Tennessean, 1 Oct. 2025
  • The study found the country is so beloved, a whopping 84 percent of expats who move there are happy with their lives, compared to just 67 percent of expats globally.
    Katie Nadworny, Travel + Leisure, 1 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Lammens was perhaps fortunate to escape sanction then (Stuart Atwell booked the forward for diving), but this was a valuable occasion ahead of tougher tests, beginning at Anfield.
    Laurie Whitwell, New York Times, 5 Oct. 2025
  • The Rams were fortunate to make a stop on defense, get the ball back, and score a field goal to send the game into overtime.
    Jordan Sigler, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Oct. 2025

Cite this Entry

“Lucky.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lucky. Accessed 7 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on lucky

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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