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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 But even under more favorable conditions, the city failed to please Austen. Ellen Wexler, Smithsonian Magazine, 8 July 2025 Joining Colorado at the top of the list is Minnesota, which secured second place due to its high number of healthcare facilities, good quality of life, and favorable financial outlook for seniors. Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 7 July 2025 Drivers don’t have that data at their fingertips, but their anecdotal evidence has put Chicago in a favorable light. Jeff Gluck, New York Times, 6 July 2025 In the summer of 2010 during the peak of the Tea Party fervor, just 35% had a favorable view of the health care legislation. Domenico Montanaro, NPR, 5 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for favorable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for favorable
Adjective
  • The young wingers are the latest hope for an Edmonton player to win the award, with positive indicators everywhere.
    Allan Mitchell, New York Times, 9 July 2025
  • While no people in the area have tested positive, city leaders are urging locals to stay cautious.
    Marina Johnson, The Courier-Journal, 9 July 2025
Adjective
  • Stark noted that ascension has made Suarez one of the most promising pending free agents in the sport.
    Peter Chawaga, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 July 2025
  • His firing came on the same day two of the team’s most promising young stars, outfielder James Wood and pitcher Mackenzie Gore, made the National League All-Star team for the first time.
    Dan Schlossberg, Forbes.com, 7 July 2025
Adjective
  • Peanut butter, in moderation, is a great source of protein and healthy fats like vitamins B and E, which can be beneficial for your dog’s muscles, skin, coat and eyes.
    Kelsey Monstrola, USA Today, 12 July 2025
  • Whey protein contains branched-chain amino acids, which are beneficial for muscle growth and recovery.
    Lana Barhum, Verywell Health, 12 July 2025
Adjective
  • See my tips and best picks on how to protect yourself from identity theft at Cyberguy.com/IdentityTheft 10.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 6 July 2025
  • But maybe, in an odd way, the timing is good, given the looming July 31 trade deadline.
    Marc Topkin, The Orlando Sentinel, 6 July 2025
Adjective
  • Is that encouraging to someone like you who’s also been in the game for a little bit at this point?
    Andrew Unterberger, Billboard, 30 June 2025
  • Incremental Progress Beats Standing Still National trends are encouraging, but public charging reliability still varies widely depending on geography, network operator, and compatibility between vehicle and infrastructure.
    Stacy Noblet, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
Adjective
  • These and other helpful travel accessories are on sale ahead of Prime Day, including portable chargers, packing cubes, and more.
    Aly Walansky, Travel + Leisure, 5 July 2025
  • Also, cell phone chargers for automobiles can be helpful after the storm.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 5 July 2025
Adjective
  • Known for its bright colors and vivid patterns, the store specializes in women’s clothes fit for a resort or a vacation to a tropical island.
    Carolyn Stein, Chicago Tribune, 8 July 2025
  • Today, however, Kendall was spotted doing a little shopping at the Chloé store with some friends, and her choice of a bright red minidress brought back one of the biggest trends of summer 2023: Tomato girl summer.
    Christian Allaire, Vogue, 8 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Favorable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/favorable. Accessed 16 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on favorable

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