Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Being or having the character of a miracle: Describes something that is so extraordinary and welcome that it seems to be caused by divine power or supernatural forces, defying the known laws of nature.
   • Peculiarly fortunate or appropriate; as if by divine intervention: Describes an event or outcome that is so timely and beneficial it appears to be guided by a higher power or incredible luck.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • The patient made a miraculous recovery after the experimental treatment. (The recovery was so complete and unexpected it seemed like a miracle.)
  • It was a miraculous escape; everyone survived the plane crash with only minor injuries. (The survival was extraordinarily fortunate, defying normal expectations.)
  • The sudden, miraculous appearance of water saved the lost explorers. (The appearance of water was a desperately needed and seemingly impossible event.)

Advanced Usage

• "miraculous" as an intensifier: Used to emphasize the extraordinary and positive nature of an event or quality.
  • She has a miraculous ability to calm people down. (Her ability is exceptionally and surprisingly effective.)
• In religious or spiritual contexts: Often used to describe events attributed to divine action.
  • The faithful believed the healing was a miraculous sign.

Variants and Related Words

• Miracle (n): An extraordinary and welcome event that is not explicable by natural or scientific laws and is therefore attributed to a divine agency.
  • The birth of the child was considered a miracle.
• Miraculously (adv): In a way that suggests or resembles a miracle.
  • The vase fell but miraculously did not break.

Synonyms

• Supernatural: Attributed to some force beyond scientific understanding or the laws of nature.
• Providential: Involving divine foresight or intervention; opportune.
• Heaven-sent: Received as if from heaven; very fortunate or timely.
• Marvelous: Causing great wonder; extraordinary.

Antonyms

• Ordinary: With no special or distinctive features; normal.
• Natural: Existing in or caused by nature; not made or caused by humankind.
• Predictable: Able to be predicted; happening in a way that is expected.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• A miraculous escape: An escape from danger that is incredibly lucky and unexpected.
  • Surviving that avalanche was a miraculous escape.
• Work miracles / Perform miracles: To achieve astonishingly good results.
  • This new software can work miracles for your productivity. (Note: This idiom uses the related noun "miracle.")

Adjective

1. peculiarly fortunate or appropriate; as if by divine intervention
   • a heaven-sent rain saved the crops
   • a providential recovery
2. being or having the character of a miracle