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 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 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 Many a past biographer has observed that Lincoln understood himself as an actor in a providential drama. John Fabian Witt, Washington Post, 24 Oct. 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 See All Example Sentences for providential
Recent Examples of Synonyms for providential
Adjective
  • In July, 2011 Coughlin was fortunate to attend an event with the Dalai Lama on his visit to Chicago.
    Jann E. Freed, Forbes.com, 29 June 2025
  • While fans are still having a hard time getting over the departure of Luka, the Mavs were at least fortunate to win the NBA Draft Lottery back in May.
    Justin Grasso, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 June 2025
Adjective
  • Mejia describes a happy childhood, always tinkering and creating.
    Tom Teicholz, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • Keeping your dog safe and happy on an outdoor adventure is about more than just bringing extra water and snacks, too.
    Owen Clarke, Outside Online, 1 July 2025
Adjective
  • These guys were all stone cold losers who just got lucky, or almost lucky.
    Carlo Versano, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 July 2025
  • That’s where a solid and comfortable sandal comes in, and lucky for you, Zappos is holding a huge summer sale on thousands of options.
    Asia London Palomba, Travel + Leisure, 10 July 2025
Adjective
  • Like a proper millennial, Victor was glued to the third season of The White Lotus, which makes our one celebrity sighting at the Chateau particularly fortuitous.
    Jen Wang, Vogue, 27 May 2025
  • The new president has promised to be less hawkish than Yoon, and his timing is fortuitous.
    John Delury, Foreign Affairs, 3 June 2025
Adjective
  • Any resemblance to actual places, events or persons – living or deceased – is purely coincidental and unintentional.
    Brian Hiatt, Rolling Stone, 5 July 2025
  • This deviation from the norm surely isn't coincidental.
    Charles Singh, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Providential.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/providential. Accessed 14 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on providential

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!