PROVIDENTIAL Synonyms: 57 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

providential

adjective

ˌprä-və-ˈden(t)-shəl

Definition of providential next

as in fortunate

coming or happening by good luck especially unexpectedly winning the lottery could not have come at a more providential time for the recently laid-off worker

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 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

Very few people are fortunate enough to start a residency program, making Dr. Hartford’s work in this role a unique feature of his career.

— Chris Gallagher, USA TODAY, 27 Jan. 2025
While many people in a progressive city like Orlando agree that government ought to do more to help the less fortunate, few seem to want the homeless nearby.

— Michael Cuglietta, Orlando Sentinel, 26 Jan. 2025