fortunate

adjective

ˈfȯrch-nət How to pronounce fortunate (audio)
Definition of fortunatenext
1
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
2
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 Its maximum capacity is a whopping 512GB (for the fortunate few who can afford it). — Samuel Axon, ArsTechnica, 25 Aug. 2026 Sucks to be booed at home, but Watson is fortunate that's the extent of his hardship. — Jim Reineking, USA Today, 24 Aug. 2026 With tens of thousands still without power in Northwest Indiana, Brandon was fortunate his power was restored Wednesday night. — Asal Rezaei, CBS News, 20 Aug. 2026 Ellsworth feels fortunate to be able to see the doctor of her choice without having to worry about the cost. — Hedy Phillips, PEOPLE, 18 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for fortunate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fortunate
  1. lucky
  2. happy
Adjective
  • Purdy’s lucky ending is the latest in a string of animal rescues to close on a high note.
    — Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 26 Aug. 2026
  • No one won the Mega Millions jackpot, but one lucky person in New Mexico won the $1 million Match 5 prize.
    — Fernando Cervantes Jr, USA Today, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of lucky
Adjective
  • However, Heaika expects some things in return and isn’t happy to see Ejva fall for his cousin.
    — Marta Balaga, Variety, 26 Aug. 2026
  • The question to ponder in sports today is whether speech functions as an act with a cost or as a renewable resource for an audience happy to waste time on slop.
    — Jerry Brewer, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of happy

Browse Nearby Words

fortuity
fortunate
fortunately
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Fortunate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fortunate. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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