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

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 providential 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 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, BostonGlobe.com, 15 Sep. 2022 See all Example Sentences for providential 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for providential
Adjective
  • Which was fortunate, as the film itself was an amateurish slog.
    Dennis Harvey, Variety, 15 Jan. 2025
  • The show is fortunate in that, unlike The Acolyte, it was designed to theoretically have what feels like a concrete ending.
    Paul Tassi, Forbes, 15 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Yet Nova stands out because of the juxtaposition of happy revelers — mostly young and dedicated to peace and harmony — with the deadly rampage.
    Karen-Janine Cohen, Sun Sentinel, 16 Jan. 2025
  • Our relationship is much happier and healthier because of it.
    Christina Crawford, Parents, 16 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Former Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova has withdrawn from the Australian Open because of injury, opening up a spot in the draw for British lucky loser Harriet Dart.
    Charlie Eccleshare, The Athletic, 13 Jan. 2025
  • Served alongside a stack of still-warm corn tortillas, these tender meatballs were saucy, nutty, earthy, sweet, and unlike any meatball my palate had been lucky enough to experience before.
    Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • That four-game unbeaten run against Wolves, Bournemouth, Brighton & Hove Albion and Southampton earlier this month was fortuitous.
    Roshane Thomas, The Athletic, 30 Dec. 2024
  • The timing of the probe’s solar arrival will be fortuitous.
    Shi En Kim, Smithsonian Magazine, 23 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • The fact that these formats rely on the Internet is not coincidental.
    Cal Newport, The New Yorker, 8 Jan. 2025
  • That could have been coincidental, but there’s value in an all-time great just being there.
    Grant Brisbee, The Athletic, 8 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near providential

Cite this Entry

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

More from Merriam-Webster on providential

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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