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

Being able to lose the roof and stow it in the trunk is one of my favorite parts of every modern Corvette, and that’s still true here. — Tim Stevens, ArsTechnica, 4 Aug. 2026

Airbnb recommended The Tides by the Sea, a guest favorite overlooking the shoreline. — Taryn White, Travel + Leisure, 4 Aug. 2026

Noun

Of course, the World Series favorites didn’t need to acquire Skubal. — Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 3 Aug. 2026

Luis Arraez didn’t need much time to become a fan favorite in San Francisco. — Justice Delos Santos, Mercury News, 3 Aug. 2026