Definition of fortuitousnext
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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective fortuitous differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of fortuitous are accidental, casual, and contingent. While all these words mean "not amenable to planning or prediction," fortuitous so strongly suggests chance that it often connotes entire absence of cause.

a series of fortuitous events

When is it sensible to use accidental instead of fortuitous?

The meanings of accidental and fortuitous largely overlap; however, accidental stresses chance.

any resemblance to actual persons is entirely accidental

When might casual be a better fit than fortuitous?

While in some cases nearly identical to fortuitous, casual stresses lack of real or apparent premeditation or intent.

a casual encounter with a stranger

When could contingent be used to replace fortuitous?

Although the words contingent and fortuitous have much in common, contingent suggests possibility of happening but stresses uncertainty and dependence on other future events for existence or occurrence.

the contingent effects of the proposed law

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 fortuitous Morning chats are fortuitous as Mercury and Jupiter harmonize. Usa Today, USA Today, 9 Mar. 2026 The two were poolside on one of those fortuitous, hot Southern California days of February. Haley Sawyer, Oc Register, 4 Mar. 2026 The goal was equal parts finesse and fortuitous, with Ramsey’s shot preceded by a gorgeous pass inside from Sandro Tonali and followed by a big deflection off Jarrad Branthwaite. George Caulkin, New York Times, 28 Feb. 2026 Of course, longtime collaborator Steven Spielberg thought otherwise, and with Schindler's List, the pairing once again proves fortuitous and captivating. Alex Galbraith, Entertainment Weekly, 15 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for fortuitous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fortuitous
Adjective
  • Your 3rd House of Information and your 11th House of Community are both boosted by the Moon’s trine to lucky Jupiter.
    Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 4 Apr. 2026
  • John, lucky in everything, had received the enhancing admixture of dark, French Mediterranean, Bouvier blood.
    Jeffrey Eugenides, New Yorker, 4 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The latest data leak is potentially more damaging to Anthropic than the earlier accidental exposure of the company’s draft blog post about its forthcoming model.
    Beatrice Nolan, Fortune, 31 Mar. 2026
  • Each accidental catch potentially removes an animal that was alive before the Industrial Revolution.
    Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 31 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • One risk too many in what had seemed the most fortunate of lives.
    Jeffrey Eugenides, New Yorker, 4 Apr. 2026
  • In their next at-bat, the Padres took advantage of another fortunate ball hit in the air and tied the game.
    Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Reviewing these options in advance can help prevent unexpected medical expenses later in the year.
    Amanda Greenwood, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2026
  • Chalker’s strategy for clearing his reputation—which had been the foundation of his lucrative business—was unexpected, to say the least.
    David D. Kirkpatrick, New Yorker, 30 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Note that the service isn't particularly happy, helpful, or welcoming, but who has time for pleasantries when you're slammed all day?
    CNT Editors, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 Mar. 2026
  • However, the polite thing to do to maintain some sort of family connection would be to send a gift to the happy couple, along with a card conveying your good wishes.
    Jeanne Phillips, Dallas Morning News, 30 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • As The Boys presents a terrifying dystopia under Homelander (Antony Starr) in the fifth and final season, Eric Kripke recently noted that any narrative similarities to our current dystopia are purely coincidental.
    Glenn Garner, Deadline, 4 Apr. 2026
  • While calling it coincidental, Picollo noted that last season’s outfield production was among the least productive in baseball even as KC’s infield — including Perez at catcher — was among the most prolific groups in more than a dozen categories.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 27 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Fortuitous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fortuitous. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.

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