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
France is just about the favorite today given its superior form this summer, but Spain has beaten Les Bleus on the last two occasions at knockout tournaments so will feel confident heading into the tie. — Ben Church, CNN Money, 14 July 2026 Founded in 2018, Dream Con is an inclusive space for fandoms of color to gather and indulge in their favorite mediums and genres of pop culture. — Nathan Lately, Time, 14 July 2026
Noun
There are multiple golf courses in the region, including local favorites Shadow Ridge in Kelowna and Predator Ridge’s Ridge Course, one of two on the property in Vernon. — Maryam Siddiqi, Travel + Leisure, 13 July 2026 These days, cryotherapy and cupping are high on his list of favorites, while cold plunges have notably fallen behind. — Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 13 July 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
  • Nothing can bring Lorenzo Salgado Araujo back to his loved ones.
    — Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 14 July 2026
  • Aside from the trauma, injury or death of a loved one, in most if not all cases families have no path to get financial assistance to cover medical or funeral bills.
    — Laura Geller, CBS News, 13 July 2026
Definition of loved
Adjective
  • Meline Rosales, Mike Winters Choose CNBC as your preferred source on Google and never miss a moment from the most trusted name in business news.
    — Leonie Kidd, CNBC, 6 July 2026
  • And unlike conventional transmissions with a finite number of gears, an eCVT can move through a practically infinite number of gear ratios over a specified range based on your preferred cadence.
    — Abhimanyu Ghoshal, New Atlas, 5 July 2026
Definition of preferred
Adjective
  • For a month, supporters of at least 10 different nations have come through the metro to cheer on their teams at Kansas City (Arrowhead) Stadium, attend the popular FIFA Fan Festival, try the city’s favorite barbecue and more.
    — The Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 12 July 2026
  • For some travelers, the more popular American chains aren’t unfamiliar.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 11 July 2026
Definition of popular
Noun
  • On their debut album, the Detroit musician skewers social-climbing scene darlings and tackles personal existential delusions over a frenetic blend of post-punk and electro-pop.
    — Cassidy Sollazzo, Pitchfork, 13 July 2026
  • Won its group, defeated tournament darling Cape Verde, ousted Egypt and then de-neutralized the Swiss in extra time.
    — Tyler Estep, AJC.com, 13 July 2026
Definition of darling
Adjective
  • For something slower and more sceney, Bardot-era Le Club 55 remains one of the most beloved lunches on the peninsula and is often visited by the Hollywood crowd.
    — Karli Poliziani, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 July 2026
  • Anixter, Wrigleyville’s beloved ‘Pink Hat Guy,’ died Tuesday night from complications with surgery, according to his family.
    — Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026
Definition of beloved
Adjective
  • Some cool features include a kill switch that automatically disconnects you from the internet if the VPN connection fails, as well as split tunneling that allows selected apps to use the VPN connection while others transmit data in clear text.
    — K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 25 June 2026
  • These pre-selected fighter pilots and their families moved into their apartments during the summer of 1960 after residing at the Frunze Central Airfield in Moscow.
    — Jeff Spry, Space.com, 27 May 2026
Definition of selected
Adjective
  • These tactics often cater to baddies — Gen Z-speak for any fashionable, confident person — to reach younger, usually female audiences.
    — Ramishah Maruf, CNN Money, 11 July 2026
  • Channel your inner Sporty Spice with preppy tees featuring jersey numbers and rugby stripes, executed with fashionable precision by Versace, Nili Lotan, Staud, and TWP.
    — Rosie Jarman, Vogue, 10 July 2026
Definition of fashionable
Noun
  • The company also noted its preference that vulnerability reporters follow a coordinated disclosure policy.
    — Dan Goodin, ArsTechnica, 15 July 2026
  • William has also said on several occasions that his children are free to choose their favorite team without feeling obligated to follow their father’s preferences.
    — Stefania Conrieri, Vanity Fair, 15 July 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 18 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on favorite

Nglish: Translation of favorite for Spanish Speakers

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