Definition of fortunatenext

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

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 fortunate If the researchers are right, Earth may be less a cosmic norm and more a fortunate exception — a planet that hit a rare chemical jackpot early on. Samantha Mathewson, Space.com, 10 Feb. 2026 Guehi was certainly fortunate to escape with a yellow card, but this wasn’t a tale of burning injustice. James Pearce, New York Times, 9 Feb. 2026 Bill Walsh, the 49ers coach who died in 2007, called it Camelot, and exclusive footage and interviews over the years combined with the black-and-white photography of Michael Zagaris brought it all back to those fortunate enough to witness it. Jerry McDonald, Mercury News, 7 Feb. 2026 The Heat also remains firmly against taking a step back just for the opportunity of getting fortunate in the draft lottery to get a top pick. Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 6 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for fortunate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fortunate
Adjective
  • Feeling lucky on Friday the 13 th ?
    Jeff Kilburg, CNBC, 13 Feb. 2026
  • June was of those adults a few lucky teens sometimes meet, the ones who help to shine a few lights on the life pathways most upbringings leave dark.
    Jody Mamone, Hartford Courant, 11 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Benito’s reps confirmed in a press release that the happy couple wasn’t just an act for the show.
    Bethy Squires, Vulture, 9 Feb. 2026
  • Vonn’s comeback is in some ways the perfect Olympic story—happy ending be-damned.
    Frederick Dreier, Outside, 9 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Fortunate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fortunate. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on fortunate

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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