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 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 Missing Oregon, Indiana and Ohio State on the schedule is fortunate, but only for bowl hopes. — Joe Rexrode, New York Times, 4 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for fortunate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for fortunate

Adjective

Those of you who've never had to work inside a tank or similar armored combat vehicle can count yourselves lucky.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 15 Oct. 2026
When the cast visited Japan in March 2025, Mystery Channel hosted a special event attended by 270 lucky fans chosen from applicants nationwide, giving them the opportunity to meet and interact with the cast.

— Ed Meza, Variety, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of lucky

Adjective

With Heather finally in a happy relationship, perhaps others had to sacrifice theirs to keep the balance.

— Tom Smyth, Vulture, 15 Oct. 2026
The report also highlights interest in happy-hour dining and value-focused restaurant experiences, suggesting diners want memorable outings without necessarily paying for a full dinner.

— Ashley Lynch, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 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 20 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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