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 Anyone who begins developing a digital construction platform without considering these variables is already off to an auspicious start. Michael Pink, Forbes.com, 30 Apr. 2025 The prestigious award builds on auspicious early major territory sales for the film, sold by Films Boutique, which bid fair for a broad international roll out. John Hopewell, Variety, 22 May 2025 The timing of her campaign launch proved auspicious. Olivia Olander, Chicago Tribune, 12 May 2025 Cavaliers blow out Heat to take Game 1 The No. 1 seeded Cleveland Cavaliers got off to an auspicious start in their NBA title quest, blowing out the Miami Heat 121-100 to take Game 1 at Rocket Arena in Ohio. Jacob Lev, CNN Money, 21 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for auspicious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for auspicious
Adjective
  • The most promising opportunities often lie at the intersection of significant pain and institutional blindness—where inefficiency has been accepted as inevitable.
    AllBusiness, Forbes.com, 13 June 2025
  • As of now, the seemingly inevitable mass adoption of electrification has yet to live up to the hype, internal-combustion engines continue firing on all cylinders, and hybrid technology appears to be the most promising path ahead.
    Robert Ross, Robb Report, 11 June 2025
Adjective
  • Bubic relied on his fastball more to get in favorable counts before mixing the rest of his pitching arsenal.
    Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 3 June 2025
  • Prior to the tariff announcements, the economic backdrop was relatively favorable—inflation had been gradually easing toward the Fed’s 2% target, and unemployment was low​.
    Magdy Hassan Fayed, Forbes.com, 2 June 2025
Adjective
  • While times are tough for recent college grads, the future looks bright for those with experience-building apprenticeships - especially in some trade roles where AI isn’t a threat.
    Chris Westfall, Forbes.com, 2 June 2025
  • For the second time time in less than two weeks, Detroit was forced to send one its brightest young starting pitchers to the injured list.
    Jon Vankin, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 June 2025
Adjective
  • This direct and encouraging approach can counteract any hesitancy stemming from a lack of confidence and empower women to embrace competitive opportunities.
    Julie Kratz, Forbes.com, 8 June 2025
  • And he was forever struck by the example of Peter’s family encouraging and challenging him — an approach that enabled Peter to work and ski and fish and live what Reid described as a normal life.
    Vahe Gregorian, Kansas City Star, 6 June 2025
Adjective
  • Marketers are preparing to take the next leap forward with AI. Boston Consulting Group’s annual survey of marketers found that 71% of CMOs plan to invest more than $10 million annually in generative AI over the next three years, and 83% are optimistic about the technology.
    Megan Poinski, Forbes.com, 4 June 2025
  • Woodson left Las Vegas optimistic about the conversation.
    Eric Jackson, Sportico.com, 3 June 2025
Adjective
  • And the present environment, with harsh temperatures, intense radiation, and a sparse atmosphere, isn’t exactly propitious for life.
    Elizabeth Rayne, ArsTechnica, 19 Apr. 2025
  • But the timing of his current warning may be propitious.
    Michael Peregrine, Forbes, 18 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Auspicious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/auspicious. Accessed 17 Jun. 2025.

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