favorable

adjective

fa·vor·able | \ ˈfā-v(ə-)rə-bəl ,

ˈfā-vər-bəl \

Definition of favorable

1a : disposed to favor : partial taking a favorable attitude toward our request

b : expressing approval : commendatory The movie received a favorable review.

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

3a : tending to promote or facilitate : advantageous a favorable wind

b : marked by success a favorable demonstration of a new invention

Other Words from favorable Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about favorable

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Other words from favorable

favorability \ˌfā-v(ə-)rə-ˈbi-lə-tē,

ˌfā-vər- \ noun

favorableness noun

favorably \ˈfā-v(ə-)rə-blē,

ˈfā-vər-blē \ adverb

Choose the Right Synonym for 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

Examples of favorable in a Sentence

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

Recent Examples on the Web

The president who earns the most favorable ratings is the one Trump criticizes more than any other: his immediate predecessor, Barack Obama. — Eugene Scott, Washington Post, "Obama tops survey of ‘best presidents’; Trump runs fourth," 12 July 2018 The Enquirer/Phil Didion This week's forecast looks favorable for the Greater Cincinnati area. — Enquirer Staff, Cincinnati.com, "Cincinnati Weather: The sun will be shining ... and beating down," 8 July 2018 Full approval of the legislation will require a favorable vote from the entire Eurpoean Parliament, according to The Verge. — Daniel Wilson, sacbee, "Here's why internet users may have to soon limit use of memes and videos," 21 June 2018 This petition is not the first of its kind, but the social and political climate surrounding this issue is more favorable for ending the Yulin Dog Meat Festival than ever before. — Kelli Bender, PEOPLE.com, "Petition with More Than 3,000,000 Signatures Wants to End 'Horrendous' Yulin Dog Meat Festival for Good," 21 June 2018 But defense attorneys dispute that payments were made in return for favorable votes from Pierce in his role as a utility regulator. — Ryan Randazzo, azcentral, "Key witness testifies in bribery trial involving Arizona water company, regulator," 7 June 2018 His bill this year swept through the state House and Senate earlier this month with favorable votes of 86-0 and 38-0, respectively. — Beau Evans, NOLA.com, "Bill to add City Council representation back to Sewerage & Water Board heads to governor's desk," 17 May 2018 Several businesses belonging to the Batmasians benefited from favorable City Commission votes cast by the mayor, state authorities allege. — David Lyons, Sun-Sentinel.com, "Batmasian real estate empire in unwanted glare of Boca mayor probe," 27 Apr. 2018 And one Democrat relented to allow a favorable vote. — Alex Pappas, Fox News, "Mike Pompeo confirmed as secretary of state," 26 Apr. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'favorable.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Last Updated

6 Sep 2018

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Time Traveler for favorable

The first known use of favorable was in the 14th century

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More Definitions for favorable

favorable

adjective

English Language Learners Definition of favorable

: showing approval

: expressing approval : giving or providing what is desired

: giving a result that helps, benefits, or shows approval of someone

See the full definition for favorable in the English Language Learners Dictionary

favorable

adjective

fa·vor·able | \ ˈfā-və-rə-bəl ,

ˈfāv-rə- \

Kids Definition of favorable

1 : showing approval a favorable opinion

2 : tending to help favorable weather

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Comments on favorable

What made you want to look up favorable? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

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lenitive

alleviating pain or harshness

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