providential

adjective

ˌprä-və-ˈden(t)-shəl How to pronounce providential (audio)
Definition of providentialnext
as in fortunate
coming or happening by good luck especially unexpectedly winning the lottery could not have come at a more providential time for the recently laid-off worker

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 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 Church tradition affirms the providential nature of international commerce. — Dylan Pahman, WSJ, 20 Oct. 2022 See All Example Sentences for providential
Recent Examples of Synonyms for providential
  1. fortunate
  2. happy
  3. lucky
  4. fortuitous
  5. coincidental
Adjective
  • Hurley is fortunate his Huskies don’t play in the SEC.
    — Bob Raissman, New York Daily News, 1 Mar. 2025
  • Been very fortunate and very thankful to Steve John at Pebble and AT&T to get a spot there and Tiger and Genesis to get the one at Torrey.
    — Dan Perry, Newsweek, 1 Mar. 2025
Definition of fortunate
Adjective
  • Dismukes was happy the Viking could persevere during a rough game in the teeth of the playoffs.
    — Jeff Vorva, Chicago Tribune, 5 Mar. 2025
  • Celebrate and be happy with me, and forgive me for leaving you.
    — Jawad Rizkallah, NPR, 5 Mar. 2025
Definition of happy
Adjective
  • On Tuesday night, 800 lucky Goose fans snaked they way through the Shed at Hudson Yards to enter a world where music and art fused in a swirling, electric dreamscape.
    — Caroline Tell, Forbes, 13 Mar. 2025
  • With the lucky number five rounding out our present year, does this mean we’re also poised for the debut of some brand new collections?
    — Cait Bazemore, Robb Report, 12 Mar. 2025
Definition of lucky
Adjective
  • The timing was fortuitous for the Dodgers, who needed a shortstop in light of Betts' injury.
    — Anders Fogh Rasmussen, Newsweek, 4 Feb. 2025
  • Trump's first Super Bowl back in office coinciding with Fox's broadcast this year is fortuitous, given the president's friendly relationship with the network.
    — Sara Fischer, Axios, 3 Feb. 2025
Definition of fortuitous
Adjective
  • Purely coincidental, said Heat Executive Vice President and Chief Marking Officer Michael McCullough.
    — Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 16 Jan. 2025
  • The protagonist’s name and her obsession with anthropology likely aren’t coincidental.
    — David Fear, Rolling Stone, 7 Feb. 2025
Definition of coincidental

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Cite this Entry

“Providential.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/providential. Accessed 18 Mar. 2025.

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Nglish: Translation of providential for Spanish Speakers

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