favorable

adjective fa·vor·able \ ˈfā-v(ə-)rə-bəl , ˈfā-vər-bəl \

Definition of favorable

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

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favorability

play \ˌfā-v(ə-)rə-ˈbi-lə-tē, ˌfā-vər-\ noun

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favorableness

noun

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favorably

play \ˈfā-v(ə-)rə-blē, ˈfā-vər-blē\ adverb

See favorable defined for English-language learners

See favorable defined for kids

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 of favorable from the Web

Sure, the schedule has taken a favorable turn this week, but the players see it and the manager sees it.

— jeff wilson, star-telegram, "For Rangers, clicking here has them back on same page," 18 Aug. 2017
The president's overall favorability rating in the poll is 38 percent favorable, 56 percent unfavorable.

— leada gore, AL.com, "40 percent now support impeaching President Trump, poll shows," 17 Aug. 2017
The schedule is favorable with Kentucky drawing the two Mississippi teams from the west and hosting Florida and Tennessee at home.

— jon hale, The Courier-Journal, "Five key questions for Kentucky football's 2017 season," 15 Aug. 2017
Abi is 15 and probably could fit some of the above roles given more favorable circumstances.

— fred dickey, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Homeless in San Diego but her big dreams keep her positive," 14 Aug. 2017
Broken down, that 49.02% with a basically favorable opinion, and 50.98% with doubts or a negative opinion.

— greg cote, miamiherald, "Dolfans weigh in on signing of QB Jay Cutler, and opinions vary wildly," 9 Aug. 2017
A check of the database shows generally favorable results for both utilities, which meet federal health guidelines.

— ian cummings, kansascity, "How safe is KC area water? You can use this new database to check it," 4 Aug. 2017
A 2015 Pew survey of Indonesians showed that 4 percent, or about 10 million people, had a favorable attitude toward the Islamic State group.

— niniek karmini, The Seattle Times, "Islamic school seeks to steer sons of militants to new path," 1 Aug. 2017
In successfully slowing down the rallies, Federer was able to combat Čilić’s heavy hitting with slice and spin, taking advantage of the already damp conditions, which helped keep the pace favorable against an aggressive, offensive baseliner.

— arnav adhikari, The Atlantic, "Federer’s Wimbledon Win Was Anything but Nostalgic," 17 July 2017

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.

Origin and Etymology of favorable

see ¹favor

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First Known Use: 14th century

See Words from the same year

favorable Synonyms

Synonym Discussion of 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.