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
  • The photographers in the red and white jackets run for cover, but the individual in the orange jacket is not so fortunate.
    Jack Beresford, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Oct. 2025
  • The Penguins were pretty fortunate to head to the locker room even at 2 after playing a fairly uninspiring first two periods.
    Josh Yohe, New York Times, 17 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • But those local socios are Perez’s power base, and keeping them happy is a big priority for him.
    Dermot Corrigan, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025
  • Its characters were prodigies who had private tutors and went to training camps for programming competitions, though their striving did not add up to a happy life.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 15 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • No surviving on lucky bounces and better health.
    Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 19 Oct. 2025
  • Even luckier, a well-rounded preppy wardrobe doesn’t have to break the bank.
    Francesca Krempa, Travel + Leisure, 19 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • There has been nothing fortuitous about ‘nilling’ five opponents, either.
    Chris Waugh, New York Times, 9 Oct. 2025
  • 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
Adjective
  • That all of this began in Utah may not be entirely coincidental.
    Seth Abramovitch, HollywoodReporter, 17 Oct. 2025
  • This could manifest as a coincidental meeting that develops into a meaningful connection, or a creative idea that comes to mind during a conversation.
    Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 14 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Providential.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/providential. Accessed 21 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on providential

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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