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 Maja Chwalińska, this year’s French Open finalist, wasn’t so fortunate on the women’s side. Ava Wallace, New York Times, 29 June 2026 Illinois is fortunate to have one of the most diverse energy portfolios in the country. Chicago Tribune, 29 June 2026 But with a historic heat wave making attic apartments like hers potentially hazardous for health, the 23-year-old recent graduate isn't feeling quite so fortunate. ABC News, 25 June 2026 Another local taquero hasn’t been so fortunate. Stephanie Breijo, Los Angeles Times, 24 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for fortunate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fortunate
Adjective
  • No one won the Powerball jackpot or the $2 million Match 5 + Power Play prize, but one lucky person in California won the $1 million Match 5 prize.
    Fernando Cervantes Jr, USA Today, 2 July 2026
  • Whereas John Wooden or Dean Smith may have figured out how to make it today, Bob Knight would be lucky to keep a job as a gym teacher at a middle school in Homeless, Ohio.
    Mac Engel June 29, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 June 2026
Adjective
  • At the beach, maybe, at a barbecue or whatever place sets fireworks pinwheeling through your holiday-happy mind.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026
  • Like many great works of American literature, the book is an unflinching portrait of a seemingly happy family held together by hubris and fear of change.
    Hannah Jocelyn, New Yorker, 1 July 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Fortunate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fortunate. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on fortunate

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster