[go: up one dir, main page]

Definition of providentialnext

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 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 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, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2022 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 See All Example Sentences for providential
Recent Examples of Synonyms for providential
Adjective
  • Venezuela dictator Nicolas Maduro is a lucky man.
    Peter Lucas, Boston Herald, 12 Jan. 2026
  • The red carpet has wrapped, the awards have been bestowed to the lucky few, and the acceptance speeches have been given.
    Rebecca Ford, Vanity Fair, 12 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Ahmad Moten was fortunate not to be called for what was clearly a late hit.
    Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 9 Jan. 2026
  • At this point, chalk it up to a bad deal all around that Bryant was fortunate to come out the other side of in fairly good shape.
    Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 7 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • In January 2025, Lane posted a photo on Instagram of himself hugging Layla and wishing her a happy birthday.
    Jane LaCroix, PEOPLE, 9 Jan. 2026
  • Kinnear, though, is happy with the lineup.
    Steve Lyttle, Charlotte Observer, 9 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • This was fortuitous as around that same time, Rollins was laid off unexpectedly.
    Tabitha Parent, PEOPLE, 6 Jan. 2026
  • There’s some kind of level of the unexpected or the surprise or the fortuitous, that sort of mimics what to me, life is like.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 5 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • That feels a little too coincidental, but that’s the story I was told.
    Glenn Garner, Deadline, 8 Jan. 2026
  • And while the timing may be coincidental, the tightening comes as some CEOs mandate using artificial intelligence to accomplish work tasks before requesting more headcount.
    Ashton Jackson, CNBC, 29 Dec. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Providential.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/providential. Accessed 20 Jan. 2026.

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!