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Synonym Chooser

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

The words auspicious and propitious are common synonyms of favorable. While all three words 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

When is auspicious a more appropriate choice than favorable?

In some situations, the words auspicious and favorable are roughly equivalent. However, auspicious applies to something taken as a sign or omen promising success before or at the start of an event.

an auspicious beginning

When is it sensible to use propitious instead of favorable?

While in some cases nearly identical to favorable, 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 favorable Pennsylvania voters give their chief executive, Josh Shapiro, a healthy 59% approval rating and Michigan’s Gretchen Whitmer gets favorable marks from 54% of her constituents. Mark Z. Barabak, Los Angeles Times, 8 May 2025 The company cited a 10 percent decrease in units shipped, a 2 percent decline in average selling price, and lower shipping and handling revenue, partially offset by favorable returns. David Moin, Footwear News, 7 May 2025 None of that distinguishes him as a difference maker, but peripheral numbers paint a favorable picture for a player the Astros thought could benefit from some offensive adjustments. Chandler Rome, New York Times, 7 May 2025 They can be set up to shoot in locations with favorable tax credits. Ed Lammi, Mercury News, 7 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for favorable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for favorable
Adjective
  • Working in Retirement: Good or Bad? For those who have taken on part-time work in retirement, the experience appears to be positive.
    Aliss Higham, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 May 2025
  • This could have very positive effects on teen mental health and reduce the risks of cyberbullying which has detrimentally affected mental health.
    Omer Awan, Forbes.com, 10 May 2025
Adjective
  • If anything, the research holds some promising takeaways for people.
    Jamie Ducharme, Health, 20 May 2025
  • The idea the experience sparks — a titillating rendezvous with the naked man at the bottom of her sake glass, Jane would never — is enough to kickstart her writing, at least to spit out some very promising pages.
    Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 20 May 2025
Adjective
  • Torres and Mings offer beneficial attributes to Villa and the debate between who should start is nuanced and, quite simply, on a game-by-game basis.
    Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 14 May 2025
  • Based on these findings, Ahmed and Dr. Jeffrey Gordon from the Washington University at St. Louis developed a treatment that incorporates beneficial gut bugs that could be easily dispensed into food products by local producers.
    Charlotte Hu, Time, 14 May 2025
Adjective
  • Here are 5 of the best Our best wishes on a safe start to the day.
    Quartz Staff, Quartz, 19 May 2025
  • The cryptocurrency has benefited from a best of both worlds scenario that has led to growing momentum from more bitcoin treasury companies and Wall Street investors.
    Tanaya Macheel, CNBC, 19 May 2025
Adjective
  • More than 100 teens have stopped by the Anaheim center, and — this is encouraging — 17 of them have made a return visit.
    Teri Figueroa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 May 2025
  • Those price drops are encouraging and should help families who are hurting from the high cost of living.
    Matt Egan, CNN Money, 14 May 2025
Adjective
  • Tips for Making Homemade Strawberry Shortcake Keep these helpful tips in mind when making homemade strawberry shortcakes.
    Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 May 2025
  • Enter the comments section to see hints, conversation, helpful tips and creative content from other solvers.
    New York Times Games, New York Times, 17 May 2025
Adjective
  • The industry's brightest stars, including Lainey Wilson, Reba McEntire and more, gathered at the Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas, to find out who is taking home the night's biggest honors.
    Lori A Bashian, FOXNews.com, 9 May 2025
  • This compact residence is packed with standout features such as double-paned glass doors and wall-to-wall windows that create a bright, open, airy feel.
    Toni Sutton, People.com, 9 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Favorable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/favorable. Accessed 23 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on favorable

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