Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of providential are fortunate, happy, and lucky. While all these words mean "meeting with unforeseen success," providential more definitely implies the help or intervention of a higher power.

a providential change in the weather

When is fortunate a more appropriate choice than providential?

While the synonyms fortunate and providential are close in meaning, fortunate suggests being rewarded beyond one's deserts.

fortunate in my investments

How is happy related to other words for providential?

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

a series of happy accidents

In what contexts can lucky take the place of providential?

The meanings of lucky and providential largely overlap; however, lucky stresses the agency of chance in bringing about a favorable result.

won because of a lucky bounce

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 providential Russia’s longstanding pursuit of a global position beyond its means—its aspiration to be a providential power, with a special mission in the world—has led it, again and again, to autocratic rule. WSJ, 4 Nov. 2022 Meacham bids to be the redeemer in chief of the narrative of American exceptionalism: the venerable if now-shopworn story in which the United States has a providential and world-historic role as a nation distinctively dedicated to human liberty. John Fabian Witt, Washington Post, 24 Oct. 2022 Her support in polls steadily expanded from 4 percent in 2018 to 25 percent in a country where even moderate voters have grown numb to Fascist-Communist name calling, but remain enthusiastic about new, and potentially providential, leaders. Jason Horowitz, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2022 Helping to weave all those strands into a single, elegant narrative is an Emory University astrochemist with a providential name: Susanna Widicus Weaver. Andrew Grant, Discover Magazine, 31 Jan. 2011 See All Example Sentences for providential
Recent Examples of Synonyms for providential
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
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
  • Here are luckiest numbers, places to play Did anyone win Powerball last night, October 4, 2025?
    Chris Sims, IndyStar, 5 Oct. 2025
  • The lucky ticket was sold at a MAPCO service station in Waynesville, which is about a 30-mile drive west from Asheville.
    Don Sweeney, Charlotte Observer, 5 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • While the symbolism may seem fortuitous, an infestation of ladybugs in your home can be a pain.
    Patricia S York, Southern Living, 25 Sep. 2025
  • Getting all three missions on the same launch required extensive planning, a stroke of luck, and fortuitous timing.
    Kyle Orland, ArsTechnica, 24 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Though the timing was coincidental, the central bank district in September unveiled its own dashboard of data measuring key labor market metrics including unemployment, the hiring rate and the layoff rate.
    Jeff Cox, CNBC, 3 Oct. 2025
  • The European Ryder Cup advantage is not coincidental or accidental.
    Hugh Kellenberger, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

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

More from Merriam-Webster on providential

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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