Synonym Chooser

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

The words auspicious and favorable are common synonyms of propitious. While all three words mean "pointing toward a happy outcome," propitious may also apply to beginnings but often implies a continuing favorable condition.

a propitious time for starting a business

In what contexts can auspicious take the place of propitious?

In some situations, the words auspicious and propitious 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

Where would favorable be a reasonable alternative to propitious?

The synonyms favorable and propitious are sometimes interchangeable, but favorable implies that the persons involved are approving or helpful or that the circumstances are advantageous.

favorable weather conditions

Examples of propitious in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The Screenings come at a propitious time in many ways for Spanish cinema. John Hopewell, Variety, 3 Mar. 2024 Yet this seemingly propitious combination has locked the Federal Reserve into inaction. Jeff Sommer, New York Times, 1 Feb. 2024 Just a few months later, however, the situation looks less propitious for Ukraine. Liana Fix, Foreign Affairs, 28 Nov. 2023 These are not propitious circumstances under which to rebuild an empire. Timothy Noah, The New Republic, 8 May 2023 See all Example Sentences for propitious 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'propitious.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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Cite this Entry

“Propitious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/propitious. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

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