Definition of providentialnext

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 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 Meacham bids to be the redeemer in chief of the narrative of American exceptionalism: the venerable if now-shopworn story in which the United States has a providential and world-historic role as a nation distinctively dedicated to human liberty. 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 Helping to weave all those strands into a single, elegant narrative is an Emory University astrochemist with a providential name: Susanna Widicus Weaver. Andrew Grant, Discover Magazine, 31 Jan. 2011 See All Example Sentences for providential
Recent Examples of Synonyms for providential
Adjective
  • Host cities like Houston will be lucky to break even.
    Peter Warren, Houston Chronicle, 1 May 2026
  • Because even the coachless get lucky sometimes.
    Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 1 May 2026
Adjective
  • Except perhaps for those rare and fortunate circumstances when a satire gains enough momentum to be read by a wide enough audience to penetrate public discourse, the kind of change satire makes has always been at the level of the individual.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 1 May 2026
  • The Blue Jays feel fortunate the Twins did move Varland, who was stunned when Zoll called with the news.
    Dan Hayes, New York Times, 1 May 2026
Adjective
  • That music was one of the only ways to communicate with his mom and formed the soundtrack to the mother and son’s happiest moments.
    Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 27 Apr. 2026
  • For me, a happy ending would be Rue finally being free of all of her past mistakes that have led to her current situation.
    Zoë Haylock, Vulture, 27 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Defensive letdowns behind him and fortuitous placement of hits contributed to his allowing nine runs (eight earned) in his first six appearances (6⅔ innings).
    Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 Apr. 2026
  • Paolo finished with 25 points, including a fortuitous 3-pointer that bounded off the back of the rim and fell through to give the Magic an insurmountable lead with 38 seconds left.
    Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 25 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Short has also clarified that Streep’s casting as his character’s love interest was coincidental.
    Deirdre Durkan, PEOPLE, 21 Apr. 2026
  • The choice to put his face on a $250 bill wasn’t coincidental, with the number commemorating the United States’s 250th birthday.
    Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 21 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Providential.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/providential. Accessed 2 May. 2026.

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