fortunately

adverb

for·​tu·​nate·​ly ˈfȯr-chə-nət-lē How to pronounce fortunately (audio)
ˈfȯrch-nət-lē
Synonyms of fortunatelynext
1
: in a fortunate manner
2
: it is fortunate that
Fortunately, no one was hurt.

Examples of fortunately in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
This game was being broadcast on CBS Sports Network and fortunately for the residents of this state, the cameras focus on the inside of the stadium and not the outside. — Eric Womack, Hartford Courant, 18 Oct. 2026 And fortunately for the Heat, the roster has several players who excel at those corner jumpers, which are the shortest three-point shots on the court. — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 11 Oct. 2026 During the renovation, a grenade from the Spanish Civil War was unearthed—fortunately defunct. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026 In late August, a horrific but fortunately injury-free blaze at the Folsom Flea Market wreaked havoc on a number of small local businesses operating out of the space. — Aaron Davis, Sacbee.com, 2 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for fortunately

Word History

First Known Use

1548, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of fortunately was in 1548

Rhymes for fortunately

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Browse Nearby Words

fortunate
fortunately
fortunateness
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Cite this Entry

“Fortunately.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fortunately. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

fortunately

adverb
for·​tun·​ate·​ly
ˈfȯrch-(ə-)nət-lē
: it is fortunate : luckily
fortunately it landed right side up

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