Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of fortunate are happy, lucky, and providential. While all these words mean "meeting with unforeseen success," fortunate suggests being rewarded beyond one's deserts.

fortunate in my investments

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

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

a series of happy accidents

When is lucky a more appropriate choice than fortunate?

While the synonyms lucky and fortunate are close in meaning, lucky stresses the agency of chance in bringing about a favorable result.

won because of a lucky bounce

Where would providential be a reasonable alternative to fortunate?

In some situations, the words providential and fortunate are roughly equivalent. However, 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 fortunate And as an adult who has been fortunate enough to navigate the complicated and expensive system to get diagnosed and receive frontline treatment (medication), which has been life-changing, nothing that's come out of this UK study is a surprise. New Atlas, 3 Feb. 2025 With the start of the legislative session around the corner, Broward College would be fortunate to have him at the helm. Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 31 Jan. 2025 Very few people are fortunate enough to start a residency program, making Dr. Hartford’s work in this role a unique feature of his career. Chris Gallagher, USA TODAY, 27 Jan. 2025 While many people in a progressive city like Orlando agree that government ought to do more to help the less fortunate, few seem to want the homeless nearby. Michael Cuglietta, Orlando Sentinel, 26 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for fortunate 

Thesaurus Entries Near fortunate

Cite this Entry

“Fortunate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fortunate. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on fortunate

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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