lucky

adjective

ˈlə-kē How to pronounce lucky (audio)
Definition of luckynext
1
as in happy
having good luck the lucky contestant finished the game show with $10,000

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in fortunate
coming or happening by good luck especially unexpectedly finding this $20 bill on the way to the store was a lucky break

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word lucky different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of lucky are fortunate, happy, and providential. While all these words mean "meeting with unforeseen success," lucky stresses the agency of chance in bringing about a favorable result.

won because of a lucky bounce

When is fortunate a more appropriate choice than lucky?

The meanings of fortunate and lucky largely overlap; however, fortunate suggests being rewarded beyond one's deserts.

fortunate in my investments

How does the word happy relate to other synonyms for lucky?

Happy combines the implications of lucky and fortunate with stress on being blessed.

a series of happy accidents

When can providential be used instead of lucky?

Although the words providential and lucky have much in common, 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 lucky Hundreds of others made their way out, but some families weren’t so lucky. — Robert McCoppin, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026 With the light load of powder that was behind them, these slugs couldn’t possibly have killed the tigress unless an extremely lucky shot had put them into a vital area at very close range. — Leslie E. Tassell, Outdoor Life, 27 Aug. 2026 Roulette, slots, wagers, lotteries, raffles, lucky spins and prize wheels are all prohibited. — Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 27 Aug. 2026 So are gamification features like lucky spins, prize wheels and random draws. — Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 27 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for lucky
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lucky
  1. happy
  2. fortunate
Adjective
  • George Clooney has arrived at the Venice Film Festival in high spirits, happy to be back in one of his favorite places in the world.
    — Stefania Saltalamacchia, Vanity Fair, 2 Sep. 2026
  • The publisher was apparently not too happy either, according to Wilson, though selling over a million copies of an ancient epic probably won her some wiggle room.
    — James Folta, Literary Hub, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of happy
Adjective
  • The people featured in the 11th annual installment of this uplifting exercise help the less fortunate, tend to the environment, tempt our taste buds, help budding entrepreneurs thrive, minister to the downtrodden and more.
    — Scott Maxwell, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Like other Muslims, Anjum has spent the last 30 days fasting from dawn to sunset, reflecting on her relationship with God and feeling compassion toward the less fortunate.
    — Jimena Tavel, Miami Herald, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of fortunate

Browse Nearby Words

lucks (out, on, onto, or into)
lucky
lucrative
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Lucky.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lucky. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on lucky

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about lucky

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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