Definition of propitiousnext

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

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 propitious The book has recently been reissued at what feels like a propitious moment, when modern treatments of Greek myth proliferate, many of them adapting stories about destiny and order for a chaotic and individualistic time. Rachel Vorona Cote, The Atlantic, 5 Jan. 2026 Southwest, which continues to cement its position as California’s largest volume air carrier, has acknowledged the timing is especially propitious for San Diego, which recently debuted the first phase of its new, much larger Terminal 1. Lori Weisberg, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 Dec. 2025 Canal supporters identified the break in the Appalachian Mountains at the junction of the Mohawk River and the Hudson as a propitious place to dig a channel to Lake Erie. Christine Keiner, The Conversation, 15 Oct. 2025 Entering the season with enormous expectations after a propitious debut with the Gophers in 2024, naturally, must be quite the pinch-me experience for the second-year safety. Dave Campbell, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for propitious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for propitious
Adjective
  • The findings suggest that boron nitride nanotubes could serve as a promising platform for next-generation separation technologies.
    Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 21 June 2026
  • Unfortunately, 29-year-old’s promising career suffered a tragic end.
    DeMicia Inman, VIBE.com, 20 June 2026
Adjective
  • The upcoming World Cup clash between the US and Australia has unexpectedly escalated into a fierce rivalry, despite both teams initially celebrating their favorable draw.
    Ian Nicholas Quillen, Forbes.com, 18 June 2026
  • National Weather Service A tornado watch means weather conditions are favorable for tornadoes and severe thunderstorms to develop.
    Zachary Bynum, CBS News, 18 June 2026
Adjective
  • Tree was recognizable for his bright fashion, mullet haircut with prominent bangs, thin mustache and encouraging outlook.
    Dennis Romero, NBC news, 22 June 2026
  • For starters, bright colors inject visibility – not merely for players looking to find each other amid the chaos of a World Cup match, but also for brands looking to draw the gazes of millions of onlooking fans towards their logo.
    Jack Bantock, CNN Money, 22 June 2026
Adjective
  • That's encouraging to me that people were holding on.
    Emma Wilson, CNBC, 20 June 2026
  • Then, before the half-time whistle, Vinicius Jr helped himself to his second goal in as many games, an encouraging start for Brazil’s attacking superstar who has often failed to live up to expectations in a national team jersey.
    Tim Spiers, New York Times, 20 June 2026
Adjective
  • Both Perez and Conine began rehab assignments with Triple A Jacksonville this week, and Marlins manager Clayton McCullough was optimistic about both players’ trajectories.
    Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 19 June 2026
  • That is a loss, on paper, in the optimistic scenario, and if the number of visitors falls short, the gap only widens.
    Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 19 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Propitious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/propitious. Accessed 23 Jun. 2026.

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