Synonym Chooser

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

The words favorable and propitious are common synonyms of auspicious. While all three words mean "pointing toward a happy outcome," auspicious applies to something taken as a sign or omen promising success before or at the start of an event.

an auspicious beginning

In what contexts can favorable take the place of auspicious?

In some situations, the words favorable and auspicious are roughly equivalent. However, favorable implies that the persons involved are approving or helpful or that the circumstances are advantageous.

favorable weather conditions

When would propitious be a good substitute for auspicious?

The synonyms propitious and auspicious are sometimes interchangeable, but propitious may also apply to beginnings but often implies a continuing favorable condition.

a propitious time for starting a business

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 auspicious Efforts to achieve two states failed under far more auspicious circumstances. Hussein Agha, New Yorker, 22 Aug. 2025 The timing couldn’t be more auspicious. Jasmin Malik Chua, Sourcing Journal, 20 Aug. 2025 But Friday's game was a decently auspicious one. Robert Marvi, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Aug. 2025 Other auspicious portents are appearing, Worden says, that signal initial Mars colonies could begin spreading out, beneath crystalline hemispheric domes, across the 2030s. Kevin Holden Platt, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for auspicious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for auspicious
Adjective
  • If the Panthers were to regress, how could that be viewed as promising or successful?
    Mike Kaye September 10, Charlotte Observer, 10 Sep. 2025
  • The procedure, known as xenotransplantation – transplanting organs, tissues or cells from one species to another – is seen as the most promising way to meet the need of patients waiting desperately for an organ to become available.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 9 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • In the east, crews continued to build line between Wiseman Springs and Rancheria Creek, engaging the fire directly along its active edge where favorable.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 6 Sep. 2025
  • Environmental conditions are favorable for development of this system, currently labeled as Invest 91L, and a tropical depression is likely to form over the weekend or early next week as the system moves slowly westward across the central tropical Atlantic.
    Gabe Hauari, USA Today, 5 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The Pixel’s Magic Editor leverages generative AI tools, which can remove objects in the background, alter lighting, and realistically change the entire mood of a phone (a bright middary sun can easily be compensated for).
    Ewan Spence, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Academy graduate Charlie Tasker is a bright prospect.
    Andy Naylor, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • There was a brief period towards the end of last season when Destiny Udogie was preferred for high-profile matches, but Spence’s performances under Frank have been encouraging.
    Jay Harris, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2025
  • Waller’s gait appeared normal in the locker room Friday, which was an encouraging sign.
    Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 6 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Perhaps Vrabel knew something optimistic fans did not know.
    Mike Sando, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Klarna was unusually optimistic about AI’s capabilities.
    Peter Cohan, Forbes.com, 6 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • 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
  • The window of time for planting corn is closing, but now is still a propitious moment to sow its seeds.
    Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 12 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Auspicious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/auspicious. Accessed 12 Sep. 2025.

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