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
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Recent Examples of favorite
Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 11 Mar. 2026
The focal point is a mural that Philz commissioned from Bay Area artist Nigel Sussman that depicts San Leandro’s history, agricultural roots and local landmarks, from the famed cherry orchards to a favorite long-ago raceway.
—Linda Zavoral, Mercury News, 11 Mar. 2026
Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 10 Mar. 2026
Knowles' recipe, which takes 20 hours to make, is a long-time family favorite.
—Caché McClay, USA Today, 10 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for favorite
Adjective
Sentimental Value is one of my favorite films of the year and certainly one of my favorite films of all time.
—Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 11 Mar. 2026
The focal point is a mural that Philz commissioned from Bay Area artist Nigel Sussman that depicts San Leandro’s history, agricultural roots and local landmarks, from the famed cherry orchards to a favorite long-ago raceway.
—Linda Zavoral, Mercury News, 11 Mar. 2026
Noun
Our cover star, Athena Calderone, founder of EyeSwoon, is a longtime AD favorite.
—Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 10 Mar. 2026
Knowles' recipe, which takes 20 hours to make, is a long-time family favorite.
—Caché McClay, USA Today, 10 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for favorite
Recent Examples of Synonyms for favorite
Adjective
-
Harding said it can be used for cases that don’t require a full autopsy or for families who would rather not have as invasive of a procedure done on their loved one.—
Shannon Tyler
March 6,
Idaho Statesman,
6 Mar. 2026
-
Her representative called the incident ‘completely inexcusable,’ signaling the singer needs intervention and support from loved ones.—
Richard Winton,
Los Angeles Times,
5 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Job opening numbers, personal consumption expenditures data - the Fed's preferred inflation gauge - and a second estimate of quarterly GDP are due this week.—
Reuters,
USA Today,
9 Mar. 2026
-
Now, the preferred tennis shoes have cool retro vibes and a wider, more rounded toe.—
Lina-Marie Baatz,
Glamour,
9 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Van, which is a 1½-hour drive from the border, has long been a popular destination for Iranians for work, travel and trade.—
Serra Yedikardes,
Los Angeles Times,
9 Mar. 2026
-
Long overlooked, the area is now drawing travelers looking for an alternative to South Africa’s popular safari spots.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
9 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
The final spot could come down to the Bison or Richmond, another mid-major darling that didn’t win its conference tournament.—
Grace Raynor,
New York Times,
9 Mar. 2026
-
If only—but at the end of the day, no food is a magic bullet, not even TikTok’s darlings.—
Caroline Tien,
SELF,
9 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
And though the devastation wrought by last year’s fire was unprecedented in its scale, the Schneiders remain optimistic about the future of their beloved enclave and its plucky local paper.—
Clara Harter,
Los Angeles Times,
7 Mar. 2026
-
Packed with mistaken identities, overheard conversations, and joyful chaos, this beloved classic is one of Shakespeare’s most enduring comedies.—
Cincinnati Enquirer,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
7 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
The gist, however, seems to be that extra-terrestrials make contact with a selected few, before promising to go public to the entire world — good luck dealing with the ramifications of that one, human race!—
Richard Edwards,
Space.com,
31 Dec. 2025
-
The selected cohort—Diamond Batiste, Ciara Boniface, Jeremy Hsing, Alejandra López and Brittany Alexia Young—were chosen from nearly 1,000 submissions, placing them at the forefront of a new chapter in cinematic storytelling.—
Okla Jones,
Essence,
23 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
This spring, total comfort doesn't have to be at odds with looking fashionable.—
Antonio Fuentes,
Glamour,
10 Mar. 2026
-
The pleated crewneck and button-up details add a fashionable twist.—
Jacquelyn Smith,
Parents,
10 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Texas Democratic turnout significantly exceeded Republican participation in the primary, with Democrats recording a 19% turnout compared to Republicans’ 7% in Dallas County, potentially indicating enthusiasm for Democratic candidates rather than preference for a particular ideological stance[1].—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
5 Mar. 2026
-
Moreover, quotas or preferences divorced from character and accomplishments are unfaithful to individual rights and responsibilities and a temptation to tribalism.—
Bruce Fein,
Baltimore Sun,
5 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Favorite.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/favorite. Accessed 13 Mar. 2026.
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