favorable

adjective

fa·​vor·​able ˈfā-v(ə-)rə-bəl How to pronounce favorable (audio)
ˈfā-vər-bəl
1
a
: 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
3
a
: tending to promote or facilitate : advantageous
a favorable wind
b
: marked by success
a favorable demonstration of a new invention
favorability noun
favorableness noun
favorably
ˈfā-v(ə-)rə-blē How to pronounce favorable (audio)
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 In a 2007 Pew survey, of those who knew a Muslim, 56% had a favorable overall impression of Muslims, compared with 32% among those who did not know a Muslim. David Ingram, NBC News, 19 Nov. 2023 The flyers swiftly prompted debates about whether students were actually endangered, or if the union was exaggerating to gain favorable new terms in its next contract. Nicholas Dawidoff, The New Yorker, 18 Nov. 2023 Rulings viewed as favorable to companies in chapter 11 and a stable roster of veteran bankruptcy judges in the state have been part of the appeal for firms looking for predictability in the outcome of their cases. Akiko Matsuda, WSJ, 16 Nov. 2023 About 22% of Chinese Americans don’t have a favorable or unfavorable view about China. Queenie Wong, Los Angeles Times, 15 Nov. 2023 The reward for a favorable first-round draw is less convivial: No. 1 overall seed Marshall (17-2) three days later in Huntington, W.V., for a spot in the Sweet 16. Mark Zeigler, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Nov. 2023 With the upcoming crossing in 2025, however, conditions will be less than favorable for observing the planet. Carlyn Kranking, Smithsonian Magazine, 13 Nov. 2023 The defense The Rams’ win-loss ledger is not more favorable because while the offense has been productive, the defense ranks 111th in the country in allowing 32.1 points a game. Kirk Kenney, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Nov. 2023 The polling, conducted Oct. 18-25, which coincided with Johnson’s election as speaker, found that each Republican's image was more favorable than the broader image of the party as a whole. Bridget Bowman, NBC News, 6 Nov. 2023 See More

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

Word History

Etymology

see favor entry 1

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

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

Dictionary Entries Near favorable

Cite this Entry

“Favorable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/favorable. Accessed 1 Dec. 2023.

Kids Definition

favorable

adjective
fa·​vor·​able ˈfāv-(ə-)rə-bəl How to pronounce favorable (audio)
ˈfā-vər-bəl
1
: showing favor : approving
a favorable reply
2
: promising, advantageous
favorable weather for the fair
favorableness noun
favorably adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on favorable

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