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 Five hundred years on from that Codex, who knew that da Vinci’s, Michelangelo’s and Dürer’s anatomical work would augment our view of the auspicious Sanchez/Bezos nuptial collection of modern bodies at this juncture in Venice? Guy Martin, Forbes.com, 29 June 2025 And Eve has an auspicious screen debut, taking a selfie in the highest levels of LuthorCorp tower while Superman is getting smashed by a powerful enemy. Brian Truitt, USA Today, 14 July 2025 Mercury, the planet of communications, is lined up with moneybags Jupiter right in your Money House, making this an auspicious day to ponder moneymaking ideas. Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 8 June 2025 Venus’ auspicious connection to Saturn and Neptune introduces someone significant to your social circle. Usa Today, USA Today, 6 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for auspicious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for auspicious
Adjective
  • Among the most promising signs in Monday’s data were great strides by the city’s youngest test takers.
    Cayla Bamberger, New York Daily News, 11 Aug. 2025
  • The last race before the summer break in Hungary showed promising signs for the team.
    Nelson Espinal, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • And, the team and league are struggling to secure a favorable media rights deal for the club.
    Dan Hayes, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2025
  • The maintenance of a favorable risk-reward ratio over a shorter timeframe of 5 years is promising for retirement accounts – mitigating the risk of liquidation (if necessary) during adverse drawdown scenarios.
    Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 14 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • But away from the bright lights, situated high above the players competing on stage in Riyadh, major business is being done in the Esports Embassy.
    Mike Stubbs, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2025
  • Avoid nights with a bright moon if possible, or block it from view to reduce glare.
    Amanda Castro Hannah Parry Anna Commander, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Since revamping its schedule in 2024 and increasing local programming and music, WDET-FM has gotten an encouraging response.
    Julie Hinds, Freep.com, 7 Aug. 2025
  • The legislation also follows several studies that highlighted concerning examples of AI therapy tools overlooking, or even encouraging, signs of mental distress.
    Mack DeGeurin, Popular Science, 6 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Given the optimistic tone coming from so many world leaders ahead of Donald Trump’s Friday meeting with Vladimir Putin, one might be forgiven for believing a peaceful end to Russia’s war in Ukraine was merely hours away.
    Philip Elliott, Time, 14 Aug. 2025
  • Pellegrino did not have specific numbers on ticket sales or corporate sales for this week’s tournament, but was optimistic that the BMW Championship could match or even exceed last year’s numbers.
    Edward Lee, Baltimore Sun, 14 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • 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
  • Look for announcements of big cost savings and maybe some propitious writedowns.
    Matt Schifrin, Forbes, 21 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Auspicious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/auspicious. Accessed 21 Aug. 2025.

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