1
as in loved
granted special treatment or attention
that teacher claims not to have any favorite students, although many in the class would disagree
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in preferred
singled out from a number or group as more to one's liking
mint chocolate chip is my favorite flavor of ice cream
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in popular
enjoying widespread favor or approval
a radio station that mostly plays favorite songs from the 1960s and 1970s
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in darling
a person or thing that is preferred over others
the youngest child was always Mother's favorite
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 favorite
Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Kansas City Star, 17 June 2026
The Oprah Podcast was recently announced as a new addition to the portfolio, alongside her book club and favorite things franchise.
—Caitlin Huston, HollywoodReporter, 17 June 2026
Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour, 24 June 2026
The best fashion deals include affordable luxury favorites from brands like Vera Bradley, and Kate Spade.
—Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for favorite
Adjective
Lush Perfumer Alina Gilwinska told Byrdie that citrus is one of her favorite mood boosting fragrance families.
—Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Kansas City Star, 17 June 2026
The Oprah Podcast was recently announced as a new addition to the portfolio, alongside her book club and favorite things franchise.
—Caitlin Huston, HollywoodReporter, 17 June 2026
Noun
But hurry—some of our favorites are already selling out!
—Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour, 24 June 2026
The best fashion deals include affordable luxury favorites from brands like Vera Bradley, and Kate Spade.
—Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for favorite
Recent Examples of Synonyms for favorite
Adjective
-
How can there be so much life bursting around you when your loved one has died?—
Liz Shulman,
Chicago Tribune,
19 June 2026
-
It’s chosen to mark a milestone, celebrate an achievement, or share a meaningful experience with friends and loved ones.—
Chris Perugini,
Forbes.com,
18 June 2026
Adjective
-
Success rarely arrives on our preferred timeline.—
Melissa Dawn Simkins,
Fortune,
22 June 2026
-
Later this week, the government releases its May personal consumption expenditures price index, the preferred inflation gauge of the Federal Reserve.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
22 June 2026
Adjective
-
In this sequence, human Lestat is a popular stage actor in Paris, and Magnus is a Perfect Blue-style greasy-haired stalker at the stage door.—
Rebecca Alter,
Vulture,
22 June 2026
-
According to The Associated Press, police identified the five other people as Gaspar Prim Díaz, a popular Argentine YouTuber known as Gaspi; another Argentine, Lucas Vignale; and Brazilians Lucas Brito, Charles Marsillac and Alexandre Souza.—
Dennis Romero,
NBC news,
22 June 2026
Noun
-
This daytime moisturizer is a beauty-insider darling for a reason, balancing the skin’s hydration levels, blending seamlessly with SPFs, and even boosting moisture retention via willow bark extract.—
Stacia Datskovska,
Footwear News,
23 June 2026
-
The French company specializes in forever pieces, as likely to be seen in your grandmother’s kitchen as in zillennials’ homes, like that of chef/internet darling Romilly Newman.—
Julia Harrison,
Architectural Digest,
23 June 2026
Adjective
-
The vampire at the center of Rice’s beloved novels has flirted with music before.—
Precious Fondren,
Los Angeles Times,
20 June 2026
-
Keeping hope alive With their voices loud and signs up high, BCSB leaders, parents, and supporters rallied Thursday in an effort to keep their beloved school open.—
Dennis Valera,
CBS News,
19 June 2026
Adjective
-
These pre-selected fighter pilots and their families moved into their apartments during the summer of 1960 after residing at the Frunze Central Airfield in Moscow.—
Jeff Spry,
Space.com,
27 May 2026
-
Viewers can earn in-game gear, weapons and other rare items by watching selected streamers who are playing Tarkov.—
Mike Stubbs,
Forbes.com,
25 May 2026
Adjective
-
Cool, fashionable girls are wearing track pants this season.—
Caroline Hughes,
Travel + Leisure,
23 June 2026
-
The easiest way to make a jersey feel fashionable is by paying attention to proportions.—
Amanda Le,
InStyle,
22 June 2026
Noun
-
The platform learns client preferences—from aircraft type to onboard amenities to destinations—for customized use.—
Michael Verdon,
Robb Report,
18 June 2026
-
That can be fine for travelers who are flexible, but less ideal for anyone sensitive to noise or motion, or with a preference to be close to an elevator, for example.—
David Nikel,
Forbes.com,
18 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Favorite.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/favorite. Accessed 24 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
