favorable

fa·vor·able

adj \ˈfā-v(ə-)rə-bəl, ˈfā-vər-bəl\

Definition of FAVORABLE

1

a : disposed to favor : partial b : expressing approval : commendatory c : giving a result that is in one's favor <a favorable comparison> d : affirmative <a favorable reply>

2

: winning approval : pleasing <a favorable impression>

3

a : tending to promote or facilitate : advantageous <a favorable wind> b : marked by success

— fa·vor·abil·i·ty \ˌfā-v(ə-)rə-ˈbi-lə-tē, ˌfā-vər-\ noun

— fa·vor·able·ness noun

— fa·vor·ably \ˌfā-v(ə-)rə-blē, ˌfā-vər-blē\ adverb

Examples of FAVORABLE

1. The new play got many favorable reviews.
2. He was given a favorable recommendation.
3. Early test results were favorable.

First Known Use of FAVORABLE

14th century

Related to FAVORABLE

Synonyms: admiring, applauding, appreciative, approbatory, approving, commendatory, complimentary, friendly, good, positive

Antonyms: adverse, depreciative, depreciatory, derogatory, disapproving, inappreciative, negative, unappreciative, uncomplimentary, unfavorable, unflattering, unfriendly

Related Words: accepting, warm; encomiastic, eulogistic, flattering, hagiographic (also hagiographical), laudative, laudatory, panegyrical, praiseful; respectful, supportive, sympathetic; adoring, adulatory, idolizing, worshipful, worshipping (also worshiping); advisory, recommendatory

Near Antonyms: captious, carping, caviling (or cavilling), censuring, critical, faultfinding, hypercritical, overcritical; belittling, contemptuous, disdainful, disparaging, scornful, slighting

see all synonyms and antonyms

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Synonym Discussion of FAVORABLE

favorable, auspicious, propitious mean pointing toward a happy outcome. favorable implies that the persons involved are approving or helpful or that the circumstances are advantageous <favorable weather conditions>. auspicious applies to something taken as a sign or omen promising success before or at the start of an event <an auspicious beginning>. propitious may also apply to beginnings but often implies a continuing favorable condition <a propitious time for starting a business>.