Definition of propitiousnext

Synonym Chooser

How is the word propitious different from other adjectives like it?

The words auspicious and favorable are common synonyms of propitious. While all three words mean "pointing toward a happy outcome," propitious may also apply to beginnings but often implies a continuing favorable condition.

a propitious time for starting a business

In what contexts can auspicious take the place of propitious?

In some situations, the words auspicious and propitious are roughly equivalent. However, auspicious applies to something taken as a sign or omen promising success before or at the start of an event.

an auspicious beginning

Where would favorable be a reasonable alternative to propitious?

The synonyms favorable and propitious are sometimes interchangeable, but favorable implies that the persons involved are approving or helpful or that the circumstances are advantageous.

favorable weather conditions

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 But then, the end of the Cold War and the decisive U.S. victory in the first Gulf War seemed to create propitious circumstances for a comprehensive Middle East settlement. Andrew P. Miller, Foreign Affairs, 5 Dec. 2025 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
  • Toles, a promising outfielder who played parts of three seasons with the team from 2016 to 2018, did not report to spring training in 2019 and was quietly placed on the restricted list before it was eventually revealed that Toles had been diagnosed with bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.
    Senior Editor, Los Angeles Times, 6 Mar. 2026
  • Another Brighton foul, by Diego Gomez on Gabriel Martinelli, gives Arsenal a free kick in a promising position.
    Stuart James, New York Times, 6 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Clearly, new coach John Harbaugh had a favorable assessment of Neal from the 2022 draft process when the Alabama lineman was viewed as a top prospect.
    Dan Duggan, New York Times, 12 Mar. 2026
  • Borrowers with good credit and steady income have the most options, including debt consolidation programs with favorable terms.
    Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 12 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Points of bright-eyed inspiration.
    Jason LeCras, Los Angeles Times, 9 Mar. 2026
  • Would the girl with the bright smile have been embarrassed by her love Stitch as a teen?
    Gillian Stawiszynski, Cincinnati Enquirer, 8 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • And the Royals appreciate the encouraging start.
    Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 7 Mar. 2026
  • This encouraging result is a testament to the heroism of Mexican forces, particularly of those who lost their lives in the line of duty, and reaffirms the effectiveness of ongoing cooperation between Mexico and the United States, including the intelligence‑sharing that supported the operation.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 7 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
  • The reason most fans remain optimistic is the sheer amount of skill position talent Florida retained surrounding its quarterback.
    Noah White, Miami Herald, 5 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Propitious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/propitious. Accessed 14 Mar. 2026.

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