favorite 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of favoritenext
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

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

favorite

2 of 2

noun

ˈfā-v(ə-)rət How to pronounce favorite (audio)
as in darling
a person or thing that is preferred over others the youngest child was always Mother's favorite

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 favorite
Adjective
Obviously, current stars like Pete Crow-Armstrong or Nico Hoerner would not be available to appear during a lockout, so former Cubs and your favorite Marquee Network celebrities might have to carry the load if the show goes on. — Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 3 Nov. 2026 While a treatment with one of Faria’s team starts from $350, she’s shared some of her favorite (easy) exercises that are designed to stimulate your lymphatic system at home. — Hannah Coates, Vogue, 3 Nov. 2026
Noun
While favorites regularly rotate in and out of the lineup, every week Home Chef aims for 50% of the meals to be new concoctions — menu items that have never run before. — Robert Channick, Chicago Tribune, 2 Nov. 2026 One of our favorites comes from the folks at Island Creek Oysters in Duxbury, MA. — Noah Kaufman, Bon Appetit Magazine, 2 Nov. 2026 See All Example Sentences for favorite
Recent Examples of Synonyms for favorite
  1. loved
  2. preferred
  3. popular
  4. darling
  5. beloved
  6. selected
  7. fashionable
  8. preference
Adjective
  • DJs take over late on Fridays and Saturdays, while Sundays belong to samba and feijoada meals, honoring the local tradition of gathering with loved ones on weekends to enjoy the black bean and meat stew.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Oct. 2026
  • Impact on jobs Along with the financial toll that often accompanies looking after a loved one, caregivers may also experience an impact on their jobs or income.
    — Megan Cerullo, CBS News, 28 Oct. 2026
Definition of loved
Adjective
  • When there must be some interlude of friction or a character needs to be brought low, The Gilded Age’s preferred mechanism is a dinner, ideally a fancy one with a complicated guest list and a variety of logistical obstacles.
    — Kathryn VanArendonk, Vulture, 30 Oct. 2026
  • Other interviewees remembered a time when families seeking husbands for their daughters preferred sons of party cadres; today, a man with access to foreign currency or a profitable business can be much more desirable.
    — Jieun Baek, Foreign Affairs, 30 Oct. 2026
Definition of preferred
Adjective
  • The most popular child tax credit proposal would cost state government about $350 million to $400 million per year, according to nonpartisan analysts.
    — Keith M. Phaneuf, Hartford Courant, 29 Oct. 2026
  • TeamLab is a popular immersive art collective whose international destinations invite guests to interact with the installations.
    — Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 29 Oct. 2026
Definition of popular
Noun
  • Meta isn't exactly a Wall Street darling at the moment either, as the stock fell 14% in October for its worst month since October 2022.
    — Ari Levy, CNBC, 1 Nov. 2026
  • Once a darling of the city’s liberal elite, the Los Angeles mayor is facing a challenge from a younger progressive who has friends of her own in the entertainment industry.
    — Maxwell Adler, Vanity Fair, 28 Oct. 2026
Definition of darling
Adjective
  • But many of us have buried our beloved pets in our yards beneath new trees as an alternative to cremation.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 24 Oct. 2026
  • For this year’s show at Compton Verney, Cadogan has taken inspiration from British people who’ve written to her about losing beloved trees in their own gardens, or public spaces.
    — Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of beloved
Adjective
  • In selected circumstances, private ownership can provide the time, capital and operating flexibility needed to reposition the business away from quarterly market pressure.
    — Chris Russo, Sportico.com, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Meanwhile, the first stage can handle different solid rocket motors for pre-selected range, speed, and performance profiles, as well as different booster types and other modular components.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 17 Oct. 2026
Definition of selected
Adjective
  • Headscarves are less conspicuous among women in these fashionable neighborhoods, despite compulsory hijab rules introduced after the revolution established clerical rule.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 2 Nov. 2026
  • Known for their 100% cashmere pieces, Guest in Residence ensures fashionable clothing can also be comfortable.
    — Erin Wisti, Footwear News, 31 Oct. 2026
Definition of fashionable
Noun
  • In the meantime, officials urged students to set up their refund preferences on Nelnet immediately to ensure their funds are delivered on time.
    — Tarini Mehta, Sacbee.com, 3 Nov. 2026
  • Explain your preference, hear theirs, and make a decision about today.
    — Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 3 Nov. 2026
Definition of preference

Browse Nearby Words

favoring
favorite
favorites
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Favorite.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/favorite. Accessed 5 Nov. 2026.

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