Synonyms of favorite

favorite 1 of 2

adjective

1

as in loved

granted special treatment or attention

that teacher claims not to have any favorite students, although many in the class would disagree

Synonyms & Similar Words

• loved
• beloved
• cherished
• precious
• special
• darling
• favored
• sweet
• adored
• pet
• dear
• fond
• admired
• fair-haired
• appreciated
• preferred
• white-headed
• esteemed
• revered
• treasured
• prized
• relished

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• disliked
• despised
• hated
• detested
• ignored
• abhorred
• loathed
• disfavored
• forgotten
• unfavorite
• unbeloved
• abandoned
• disdained
• alienated
• abominated
• execrated
• estranged

2

as in preferred

singled out from a number or group as more to one's liking

mint chocolate chip is my favorite flavor of ice cream

Synonyms & Similar Words

• preferred
• selected
• select
• favored
• chosen
• choice
• picked
• elect
• first-line
• of choice
• handpicked
• cherry-picked
• fashionable
• exclusive
• screened
• winnowed (out)
• culled
• weeded (out)
• picked over

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• common
• average
• ordinary
• commonplace
• run-of-the-mill

3

as in popular

enjoying widespread favor or approval

a radio station that mostly plays favorite songs from the 1960s and 1970s

Synonyms & Similar Words

• popular
• fashionable
• popularized
• large
• famous
• pop
• big
• hot
• preferred
• desirable
• red-hot
• happening
• crowd-pleasing
• vogue
• fabulous
• legendary
• faddish
• celebrated
• prominent
• in
• selected
• liked
• famed
• voguish
• faddy
• renowned
• notorious
• modish
• important
• outstanding
• du jour
• notable
• fabled
• well-known
• remarkable
• wanted
• noted
• semipopular
• leading
• significant

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• unpopular
• out
• rejected
• disliked
• unfashionable
• despised
• hated
• detested
• unimportant
• insignificant
• unknown
• obscure
• anonymous
• washed-up
• nameless
• unexceptional
• inconspicuous
• indistinguished

favorite

2 of 2

noun

ˈfā-v(ə-)rət 

as in darling

a person or thing that is preferred over others

the youngest child was always Mother's favorite

Synonyms & Similar Words

• darling
• preference
• pet
• fave
• cup of tea
• treasure
• speed
• beloved
• minion
• dear
• sweetheart
• prize
• jewel

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• anathema
• abomination
• bugbear
• bête noire

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of favorite

Adjective

In London, Zendaya pulled off one of fashion’s favorite red carpet flexes, wearing a Schiaparelli couture look that debuted on the Paris runway only hours earlier. — Alex Badia, Footwear News, 21 July 2026

Ahead of what would be her last birthday, her 36th, on July 1, Diana visited one of her favorite places—New York City—and the trip had a special connection to her eldest son, Prince William. — Rachel Burchfield, InStyle, 21 July 2026

Noun

Some cities on this year's list are expected favorites, while other newcomers will surprise you. — Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 20 July 2026

There are beauty sales, and then there’s the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale — an annual shopping event where prestige skin care favorites, exclusive value sets, and luxury splurges all come together in one place. — Camila Quimper, Footwear News, 20 July 2026