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

Examples 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 Sara McDaniel, the owner of Simply Southern Cottage, is fortunate to have both her great grandmother’s pie safe and her granny’s dishes in her possession. Heather Bien, Southern Living, 10 Jan. 2025 Like wtf is wrong with yall telling fortunate people to ‘just buy a new house’ like huh? Marc Griffin, VIBE.com, 10 Jan. 2025 Few cities are fortunate enough to have a columnist like Dan Rodricks, who is retiring from The Baltimore Sun after more than 48 years of chronicling the area’s stories through deeply reported and beautifully told tales of Baltimore and beyond. Trif Alatzas, Baltimore Sun, 10 Jan. 2025 The event showcased Ross’ legendary catalog, reimagined with orchestral arrangements, providing a once-in-a-lifetime event for all who were fortunate enough to witness. Okla Jones, Essence, 31 Dec. 2024 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 20 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on fortunate

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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