1
as in promising
having qualities which inspire hope
the success of the first big movie in May was a propitious start for the summer season of blockbusters
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in favorable
pointing toward a happy outcome
a propitious time for starting a business
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 propitious
The book has recently been reissued at what feels like a propitious moment, when modern treatments of Greek myth proliferate, many of them adapting stories about destiny and order for a chaotic and individualistic time.
—
Rachel Vorona Cote, The Atlantic, 5 Jan. 2026
Southwest, which continues to cement its position as California’s largest volume air carrier, has acknowledged the timing is especially propitious for San Diego, which recently debuted the first phase of its new, much larger Terminal 1.
—Lori Weisberg, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 Dec. 2025
Canal supporters identified the break in the Appalachian Mountains at the junction of the Mohawk River and the Hudson as a propitious place to dig a channel to Lake Erie.
—Christine Keiner, The Conversation, 15 Oct. 2025
Entering the season with enormous expectations after a propitious debut with the Gophers in 2024, naturally, must be quite the pinch-me experience for the second-year safety.
—Dave Campbell, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for propitious
Rachel Vorona Cote, The Atlantic, 5 Jan. 2026
Southwest, which continues to cement its position as California’s largest volume air carrier, has acknowledged the timing is especially propitious for San Diego, which recently debuted the first phase of its new, much larger Terminal 1.
—Lori Weisberg, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 Dec. 2025
Canal supporters identified the break in the Appalachian Mountains at the junction of the Mohawk River and the Hudson as a propitious place to dig a channel to Lake Erie.
—Christine Keiner, The Conversation, 15 Oct. 2025
Entering the season with enormous expectations after a propitious debut with the Gophers in 2024, naturally, must be quite the pinch-me experience for the second-year safety.
—Dave Campbell, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for propitious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for propitious
Adjective
-
Although the data is still being analysed, Zhang Tongjie believes SETI remains one of the most promising approaches for detecting extraterrestrial life.—
Bojan Stojkovski,
Interesting Engineering,
31 May 2026
-
Whitmer was once considered among the Democratic Party’s most promising national figures.—
Naomi Lim,
The Washington Examiner,
31 May 2026
Adjective
-
Conservative state lawmakers who have received tens of thousands of dollars from Gleason and his family are also those who have consistently sponsored, or at least provided their favorable votes, to bills that would directly benefit his precious metals business.—
Kevin Fixler
June 4,
Idaho Statesman,
4 June 2026
-
In nearly half of those actions, the plaintiffs have won a preliminary injunction against the administration or a favorable ruling, said Lawrence Pacheco, a spokesman for Weiser’s office.—
John Aguilar,
Denver Post,
4 June 2026
Adjective
-
In braids and a bright yellow fishing bib, with her dog Claude at her side and a witty interjection always on the tip of her tongue, Maude climbs onto her trusty little boat and sets a course for the open sea.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
1 June 2026
-
Durable enough to handle the elements, this waterproof light features a comfortable elastic strap and a bright, adjustable beam that improves visibility while keeping both hands free for unloading luggage, handling car repairs, or setting up camp in the dark.—
Sophie Dodd,
Travel + Leisure,
31 May 2026
Adjective
-
Nonetheless many trends are encouraging for electrification.—
Justin Worland,
Time,
29 May 2026
-
One of these plots has been an experimental area for regenerative garden techniques for the last two years, and the results have been encouraging.—
Special to The Denver Post,
Denver Post,
29 May 2026
Adjective
-
Workers who feel optimistic about AI’s effect on their careers report dramatically stronger workplace outcomes across engagement, effort, and intent to stay.—
Matt Rosenbaum,
Fortune,
29 May 2026
-
Her mindset immediately shifted from a sinking feeling to being optimistic about the future.—
Ayren Jackson-Cannady,
SELF,
29 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Propitious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/propitious. Accessed 5 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
