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Synonym Chooser

How is the word favorable different from other adjectives like it?

The words auspicious and propitious are common synonyms of favorable. While all three words 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

When is auspicious a more appropriate choice than favorable?

In some situations, the words auspicious and favorable are roughly equivalent. However, auspicious applies to something taken as a sign or omen promising success before or at the start of an event.

an auspicious beginning

When is it sensible to use propitious instead of favorable?

While in some cases nearly identical to favorable, propitious may also apply to beginnings but often implies a continuing favorable condition.

a propitious time for starting a business

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 favorable The militancy of the B&N campaign, which involved actions including delegations, practice pickets, and a couple of walkouts, made conditions more favorable for other union campaigns to push back against their bosses. James Folta, Literary Hub, 24 June 2025 But by June 24, the system is expected to encounter less favorable conditions that would end its chances of becoming anything more than a depression. Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA Today, 24 June 2025 By Tuesday, the system is anticipated to move into less favorable conditions, ending its chances for further development. Joe Edwards, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 June 2025 Hinton, the son of former All-Pro lineman Chris Hinton, has favorable genes. Brooks Kubena, New York Times, 13 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for favorable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for favorable
Adjective
  • More recent performances do not make for such positive reading (four defeats and two draws in six Nations League matches, against Italy, Denmark and Sweden, both draws impressively coming against the latter).
    Megan Feringa, New York Times, 27 June 2025
  • While they were hired to support language learning, the specialists emerged as catalysts for converting negative emotions into positive behavioral change.
    IESE Business School, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025
Adjective
  • Stark noted that ascension has made Suarez one of the most promising pending free agents in the sport.
    Peter Chawaga, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 July 2025
  • His firing came on the same day two of the team’s most promising young stars, outfielder James Wood and pitcher Mackenzie Gore, made the National League All-Star team for the first time.
    Dan Schlossberg, Forbes.com, 7 July 2025
Adjective
  • Both experts say that dry brushing, the physical exfoliant that sloughs away dead skin cells, can be beneficial to keeping strawberry legs at bay.
    Audrey Noble, Vogue, 1 July 2025
  • Earlier research from 2013 also highlighted video games' ability to enhance problem-solving skills, suggesting video games are more beneficial to cognitive development than previously thought.
    George Toh, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
Adjective
  • The most important thing to consider when determining if a certain plant is a good match for hydrangeas is growing conditions.
    Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 6 July 2025
  • After all, how often would Canada's biggest hockey market have a chance to acquire Canada's best player?
    Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 July 2025
Adjective
  • Is that encouraging to someone like you who’s also been in the game for a little bit at this point?
    Andrew Unterberger, Billboard, 30 June 2025
  • Incremental Progress Beats Standing Still National trends are encouraging, but public charging reliability still varies widely depending on geography, network operator, and compatibility between vehicle and infrastructure.
    Stacy Noblet, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
Adjective
  • These and other helpful travel accessories are on sale ahead of Prime Day, including portable chargers, packing cubes, and more.
    Aly Walansky, Travel + Leisure, 5 July 2025
  • Also, cell phone chargers for automobiles can be helpful after the storm.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 5 July 2025
Adjective
  • Refreshing, vibrant, and very satisfying with a bright cleansing finish.
    Liz Thach, Forbes.com, 8 July 2025
  • Just keep in mind that this year’s 84% full moon will wash out all but the brightest meteors.
    Tiffany Acosta, AZCentral.com, 8 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Favorable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/favorable. Accessed 11 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on favorable

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