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

The Chiefs are 1-1 against the spread this season, not covering as a 5 1/2-point favorite in a 33-30 overtime victory over the Indianapolis Colts in Week 2. — Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 22 Sep. 2026

Eliana was a fan favorite — not just of Birds in the Air but to a lot of Angelenos. — Anusha Praturu, Vulture, 21 Sep. 2026

Noun

The Chiefs were double-digit favorites — and then some — at one point this week. — Sam McDowell, Kansas City Star, 27 Sep. 2026

John Mateer, once among the Heisman Trophy favorites, was harassed into a 25-of-34 passing day that included an interception and two fumbles that led to 14 Georgia points. — Mike Griffith, AJC.com, 27 Sep. 2026