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serendipitously

American  
[ser-uhn-dip-i-tuhs-lee] / ˌsɛr ənˈdɪp ɪ təs li /

adverb

  1. by chance or accident.

    After weeks of looking for a wedding dress, I serendipitously ran into an old friend who owns a formalwear store.

  2. it is fortunate that; luckily.

    Serendipitously we arrived in town when there was a lull in traffic.


Etymology

Origin of serendipitously

serendipitous ( def. ) + -ly

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

"Over the decades researchers have recognized over 7,000 superconductors, but mostly serendipitously," explains Törmä.

From Science Daily Jul. 7, 2026

Outside of deliberate research, my reading is largely a product of whatever I happen to serendipitously stumble upon in used bookstores.

From The Wall Street Journal Dec. 12, 2025

"When we are at a cafe, if I suddenly say it's time to go now, the kids know we immediately leave quietly, because I've spotted someone serendipitously recording us."

From BBC Sep. 8, 2025

Although Duchin has developed a deep love for his work, his public health path emerged somewhat serendipitously.

From Seattle Times May 19, 2024

During the summer of 1955 Bobby serendipitously happened upon a gathering place for chess aficionados and, in so doing, raised his game to a whole new level.

From "Endgame" by Frank Brady

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