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
Chicago dog disciples will find their favorite food there, too. — Katelyn Umholtz, Kansas City Star, 27 Oct. 2026 Below, Eliot and Raziuddin break down their favorite layers and 10 layered hairstyles for every hair texture. — Audrey Noble, Vogue, 27 Oct. 2026
Noun
On a recent Monday, younger students, many in school uniforms, carried backpacks with colorful characters including Disney's Frozen, Super Mario Brothers and longtime favorites Spiderman and Snoopy. — Angela Kocherga, NPR, 26 Oct. 2026 The following decade saw the emergence of the Baby Ruth, Chuckles, Goldenberg's Peanut Chews, the Mounds bar, and the malty Milky Way bar, always a favorite of mine and the first of many signal achievements of the Mars family. — Jeffrey Steingarten, Vogue, 25 Oct. 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
  • Today, the Mexico City GP is recognized as one of the Formula 1 circuit’s intercontinental darlings.
    — Alan Chazaro, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Oct. 2026
  • Perhaps these Brewers aren’t some small-market darling, after all.
    — Brady Brickner-Wood, New Yorker, 26 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
  • There has, however, been at least one particularly fashionable crossover.
    — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 25 Oct. 2026
  • Suiting has taken a turn within the last few years as men, from athletes to actors, are stepping into their most fashionable eras, embracing color and texture.
    — Amina Ayoud, Footwear News, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of fashionable
Noun
  • An agent can work in the background, remember preferences, monitor information and handle tasks across various websites and apps.
    — Marty Swant, Washington Post, 27 Oct. 2026
  • Glance functions like a personal shopper, remembering the users’ preferences, scouring the web for good deals on the right looks and circling back to offer up virtual try-ons and get the green light before making the purchase.
    — Evan Clark, Footwear News, 26 Oct. 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 2 Nov. 2026.

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