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
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
Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 10 June 2026
His latest original series Keep the Meter Running sees him hop into a cab, ask the cabbie to take him to their favorite place, and, yes, keep the meter running in the process.
—Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 10 June 2026
Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 9 June 2026
Another favorite is the cast-iron cornbread served with jalapeño jelly and honey butter.
—Brock Keeling, Oc Register, 9 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for favorite
Adjective
Style them with your favorite basics like T-shirts and tank tops, opt for a button-down blouse with flats and jewelry, or add a ruffle top with sandals for a trendy look.
—Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 10 June 2026
His latest original series Keep the Meter Running sees him hop into a cab, ask the cabbie to take him to their favorite place, and, yes, keep the meter running in the process.
—Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 10 June 2026
Noun
Each episode centers around a new ‘book of the week,’ ranging from science fiction epics and romantasy sensations, to literary classics and underground cult favorites, before the conversations spiral far beyond the page.
—Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 9 June 2026
Another favorite is the cast-iron cornbread served with jalapeño jelly and honey butter.
—Brock Keeling, Oc Register, 9 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for favorite
Recent Examples of Synonyms for favorite
Adjective
-
The collection of autobiographical monologues explores the hardships and unexpected humor of caring for loved ones across every stage of life.—
Point Loma-Ob Monthly,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
12 June 2026
-
Hooks said the agency's hearts are with the teen's family and loved ones during their difficult time.—
Dan Raby,
CBS News,
12 June 2026
Adjective
-
Not far from Buffett’s preferred McDonald’s is an ambitious Japanese restaurant called Yoshitomo, which Utterback, who is forty-four and half Japanese, opened in 2017, in what was formerly a Subway.—
Hannah Goldfield,
New Yorker,
8 June 2026
-
Wembanyama — the third-place finisher in NBA MVP voting — had struggled with the physicality of the 7-foot Towns, whose unrelenting defense prevented the Spurs center from getting to his preferred spots in the paint.—
Peter Sblendorio,
New York Daily News,
6 June 2026
Adjective
-
At the same time, the shrinking economy, new limits on internet access, blocks on popular messaging apps and concerns over state surveillance are adding to a wider sense of disquiet that is already starting to be reflected in polling data.—
Zahra Ullah,
CNN Money,
7 June 2026
-
Days later, the ruling party accused him of sabotaging the project on behalf of China and George Soros, echoing widespread antisemitic conspiracy theories that the billionaire Jewish philanthropist seeks to subvert popular rule.—
Omkar Khandekar,
NPR,
7 June 2026
Noun
-
However, Republicans are outraged because Raman’s late surge in mail-in tallies pushed out MAGA darling and reality TV star Spencer Pratt.—
The Editorial Board,
Oc Register,
9 June 2026
-
Take a peek inside where the revenues for these AI darlings will come from.—
Bhaskar Chakravorti,
Fortune,
7 June 2026
Adjective
-
The world first fell in love with her as a contestant in the RuPaul’s Drag Race multiverse, where her razor-sharp charisma, uniqueness, nerve and talent turned her into one of the franchise’s most beloved queens.—
Todd Plummer,
Condé Nast Traveler,
12 June 2026
-
Inspired by the original trilogy books by Robert Ludlum, the beloved franchise takes Damon's character all over the world on dangerous missions, running into enemies and the occasional ally as his past in espionage repeatedly catches up with him.—
Rachel Raposas,
PEOPLE,
12 June 2026
Adjective
-
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
-
Viewers can earn in-game gear, weapons and other rare items by watching selected streamers who are playing Tarkov.—
Mike Stubbs,
Forbes.com,
25 May 2026
Adjective
-
Chanel hosted a fashionable crowd Monday night in New York for its 19th annual Tribeca Festival artists dinner with plenty of reasons to raise a glass.—
Chris Gardner,
HollywoodReporter,
9 June 2026
-
This lightweight hat will protect you from UV rays while making a chic, fashionable statement.—
Caroline Hughes,
Travel + Leisure,
7 June 2026
Noun
-
Becerra also had an edge among voters registered as no party preference or registered with other parties — who make up almost a third of the state electorate.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
11 June 2026
-
This idea—that values are revealed through felt preference, not intellectual agreement—runs throughout his work.—
Rodger Dean Duncan,
Forbes.com,
11 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Favorite.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/favorite. Accessed 14 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
