favorite

1 granted special treatment or attention that teacher claims not to have any favorite students, although many in the class would disagree Synonyms beloved, cherished, dear, fair-haired, favored, darling, fond, loved, pet, precious, special, sweet, white-headedRelated Words admired, adored, appreciated, esteemed, relished, revered; prized, treasured; preferredNear Antonyms abhorred, abominated, despised, detested, disdained, disfavored, disliked, execrated, hated, loathed, unfavorite; abandoned, forgotten, ignored; alienated, estrangedAntonyms unbeloved

2 singled out from a number or group as more to one's liking mint chocolate chip is my favorite flavor of ice cream Synonyms cherry-picked, choice, chosen, elect, favored, select, first-line, handpicked, picked, preferred, selectedRelated Words fashionable; exclusive; culled, picked over, screened, weeded (out), winnowed (out)Near Antonyms average, common, commonplace, ordinary, run-of-the-mill

3 enjoying widespread favor or approval a radio station that mostly plays favorite songs from the 1960s and 1970s Synonyms big, crowd-pleasing, du jour, faddish, faddy, fashionable, popular, happening, hot, in, large, modish, pop, popularized, red-hot, vogue, voguishRelated Words semipopular; popular, preferred, selected; desirable, liked, wanted; celebrated, famed, famous, noted, notorious, prominent, renowned, well-known; fabled, fabulous, legendary; leading, notable, outstanding, prominent, remarkable; important, significantNear Antonyms washed-up; despised, detested, disliked, hated, rejected; insignificant, unimportant; indistinguished, unexceptional; anonymous, nameless, obscure, unknown; inconspicuousAntonyms out, unfashionable, unpopular