FORTUNATE Synonyms: 68 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

fortunate

adjective

ˈfȯrch-nət

Definition of fortunate

as in lucky

coming or happening by good luck especially unexpectedly in a fortunate turn of events, the motel had one last vacancy

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in happy

having good luck rabbits' feet are seen as making the carrier of them fortunate

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 That kind of hands-on project required plenty of time, something Reading was fortunate enough to have that summer while working for herself as a freelance artist. — Tereza Shkurtaj, PEOPLE, 11 Oct. 2026 The 76ers are fortunate to play in the NBA’s fourth-biggest building with a capacity of 20,000 people. — Kurt Badenhausen, Sportico.com, 9 Oct. 2026 Her family was fortunate enough to afford wigs, but quickly discovered not everyone can. — CBS News, 8 Oct. 2026 Colorado is fortunate to have highly qualified biologists and wildlife professionals who have managed our wildlife for generations. — Kody Lostroh, Denver Post, 5 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for fortunate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for fortunate

Adjective

And those who got to watch the live show of Cardi with her band, which delivered a sumptuous rock and jazz-tinged take on her tracks, can consider themselves among the lucky few.

— Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 20 Oct. 2026
Steichen would be lucky to finish out the season barring a change of direction by his team.

— Armando Salguero OutKick, FOXNews.com, 19 Oct. 2026

Definition of lucky

Adjective

As for the happy throng of guests, the dress code was wide open to interpretation, from paillettes to pink marabou.

— Laura Regensdorf, Vogue, 20 Oct. 2026
The Knicks enter the 2026 season this week as defending NBA champions, as any New Yorker in your life would be happy to remind you.

— Noah Shachtman, Vanity Fair, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of happy

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fortuity

fortunate

fortunately

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Style

“Fortunate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fortunate. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of fortunate

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Synonyms of fortunate

adjective

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Can 'fortuitous' mean 'fortunate'?

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