providential

adjective

ˌprä-və-ˈden(t)-shəl How to pronounce providential (audio)
Definition of providentialnext
as in lucky
coming or happening by good luck especially unexpectedly winning the lottery could not have come at a more providential time for the recently laid-off worker

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of providential are fortunate, happy, and lucky. While all these words mean "meeting with unforeseen success," providential more definitely implies the help or intervention of a higher power.

a providential change in the weather

When is fortunate a more appropriate choice than providential?

While the synonyms fortunate and providential are close in meaning, fortunate suggests being rewarded beyond one's deserts.

fortunate in my investments

How is happy related to other words for providential?

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

a series of happy accidents

In what contexts can lucky take the place of providential?

The meanings of lucky and providential largely overlap; however, lucky stresses the agency of chance in bringing about a favorable result.

won because of a lucky bounce

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 providential His lurching flow sifts through all the pieces, gradually assembling them into a warm, providential ode to the two men who fundamentally shaped both his life and, unwittingly, each other’s. — Stephen Kearse, Vulture, 4 Feb. 2025 Russia’s longstanding pursuit of a global position beyond its means—its aspiration to be a providential power, with a special mission in the world—has led it, again and again, to autocratic rule. — WSJ, 4 Nov. 2022 Many a past biographer has observed that Lincoln understood himself as an actor in a providential drama. — John Fabian Witt, Washington Post, 24 Oct. 2022 Her support in polls steadily expanded from 4 percent in 2018 to 25 percent in a country where even moderate voters have grown numb to Fascist-Communist name calling, but remain enthusiastic about new, and potentially providential, leaders. — Jason Horowitz, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2022 See All Example Sentences for providential
Recent Examples of Synonyms for providential
  1. lucky
  2. fortunate
  3. happy
  4. fortuitous
  5. coincidental
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
  • Advertisement The same technology that is delivering fortunes in Silicon Valley can also deliver help to the least fortunate.
    — David Miliband, Time, 19 Oct. 2026
  • Regardless, while the series might have had fluky components, between Milwaukee's fortunate luck on balls in play, runners in scoring position performance and pitching outcomes, the ultimate series result was anything but.
    — Ian Miller OutKick, FOXNews.com, 18 Oct. 2026
Definition of fortunate
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
Adjective
  • After signing the lease for her new Clifford Street flagship in London‘s Mayfair, Jennifer Chamandi discovered a fortuitous connection.
    — Katie Abel, Footwear News, 8 Oct. 2026
  • When such a fortuitous alignment occurs, amateur astronomers can discern things about the asteroid that professionals can’t readily measure, even with their giant telescopes on high mountains.
    — David Schneider, IEEE Spectrum, 24 Sep. 2026
Definition of fortuitous
Adjective
  • This coincidental trait inspired researchers to name the new genus Herugavialis after Heru, or Horus, the Egyptian god associated with the construction of the mythical creature.
    — Taylor Nicioli, CNN Money, 6 Oct. 2026
  • Now, with this curious surge of coincidental timing, the film industry is returning the favor.
    — James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 9 Sep. 2026
Definition of coincidental

Browse Nearby Words

provident
providential
provider
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Cite this Entry

“Providential.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/providential. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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