(often initial capital letter) the foreseeing care and guidance of God or nature over the creatures of the earth.
(initial capital letter) God, especially when conceived as omnisciently directing the universe and the affairs of humankind with wise benevolence.
a manifestation of divine care or direction.
provident or prudent management of resources; prudence.
foresight; provident care.
Christianity God's foreseeing protection and care of his creatures
such protection and care as manifest by some other force
a supposed manifestation of such care and guidance
the foresight or care exercised by a person in the management of his affairs or resources
Port of entry and major trading center.
Roger Williams founded Providence in the early seventeenth century after he was exiled from the colony of Massachusetts. He named it in gratitude for “God's merciful providence.”
First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English, from Latin prōvidentia “foresight, forethought,” from prōvident- (stem of prōvidēns provident ) + -ia, noun suffix
Providence is the guardianship and care provided by a deity or god. Religious people thank their god for his providence. The word provide is a good clue to this word's meaning: when a religious being is said to give people providence, he's taking care of them — providing for them. For religious people, any good thing that happens to them — like landing a new job, getting healthy, or finding money on the ground — could be considered an example of providence. You can also talk about people providing providence, if they're showing care and prudence in managing resources.
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Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Otto von Bismarck’s special providence for “fools, drunks, and the United States of America” may be coming to the aid of the current incumbent.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 3, 2026
Little does he know that providence is about to run out: Solar Paper is soon acquired by an American company and his job is terminated.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jan. 6, 2026
But heavenly providence does not come easily for Ann.
From Salon ● Dec. 27, 2025
It did not providence any evidence to back up its accusation that South Africa had released the passport information of its officials.
From BBC ● Dec. 19, 2025
I don’t recall a moment in my life when I was more acutely aware of how providence has favored the land to which I was born.
From "A Walk in the Woods" by Bill Bryson
Casey Wasserman’s talent and marketing agency will buy his remaining stake using a new investment from Providence Equity Partners, putting an end to months of uncertainty about the company’s future.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 29, 2026
He joined private-equity firm Providence Equity Partners in 1999, where he became a managing director, before moving to Comcast in 2007 to become chief financial officer.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 30, 2026
To save money, the four shared one motel room outside of Manhattan in Sussex, N.J, for about $100 a night, and have planned similar accommodations as they travel to Providence, R.I.
From MarketWatch ● Jun. 24, 2026
Aaron Hickey – Lapse in concentration early on almost cost Scotland dear, but one vital intervention to deny Ruben Providence.
From BBC ● Jun. 14, 2026
In Providence, residents phoned the electric company, asking it to switch off the lights “so that the city would be safe from the enemy.”
From "Spooked!" by Gail Jarrow
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
