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 The opening marked the debut of The New Yorker, which celebrates its 100th anniversary this week at a moment that is not propitious for either magazines or movies. Peter Bart, Deadline, 20 Feb. 2025 The most propitious of these days occur in cycles of 12 years during a festival called the Maha Kumbh Mela, or pitcher festival. Fox News, 13 Jan. 2025 Once again, these were two propitious investments ahead of a massive surge in shale oil and gas production across the U.S. that made the U.S. self-sufficient in oil and gas in 2020, the first time since 1947. Ian Dexter Palmer, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024 The essence of modern economic development is the continuing augmentation of human potential and a propitious business climate, framed by policies and institutions that help unlock the value in human beings. Nicholas Eberstadt, Foreign Affairs, 10 Oct. 2024 See All Example Sentences for propitious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for propitious
Adjective
  • Sacramento has recently eliminated parking minimums and density caps citywide to promote new housing development, a promising approach to address housing scarcity.
    Mahdi E Diab, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 June 2025
  • The tech giant’s big-budget racing drama, starring Brad Pitt as a Formula One driver who is coerced out of retirement to coach a slick rookie (Damson Idris), is targeting a promising $50 million to $60 million in its debut.
    Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 25 June 2025
Adjective
  • The odds backcourt mate Will Richard would hear his name called were not nearly as favorable.
    Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 June 2025
  • Some analysts downplayed the incidents as routine hiccups typical of a company testing a new product, while others viewed the miscues as a troubling sign for the capability of the technology, especially in light of favorable conditions sought out by Tesla.
    Max Zahn, ABC News, 26 June 2025
Adjective
  • After all, when the sun is so bright and the water so warm, who would ever want the summer to end?
    Erik Morse, Vogue, 26 June 2025
  • The Royals are betting Cruz’s future remains bright.
    Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 26 June 2025
Adjective
  • That said, those encouraging numbers may not reflect immediate optimism about the global economy or geopolitics — aircrafts take years to deliver, and both Airbus and Boeing have a backlog of more than 8,000 and 5,000 aircrafts respectively.
    Yeo Boon Ping, CNBC, 20 June 2025
  • Andrew Redington/Getty Images Like most professional golfers, Thomas was highly critical of his game, but found the result encouraging, given the circumstances.
    Julio Cesar Valdera Morales, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 June 2025
Adjective
  • While dozens of legal challenges to DOGE and Trump administration actions make their way through the courts, Musk remained optimistic about the project's enduring legacy at his farewell press conference with Trump on May 30.
    Stephen Fowler, NPR, 16 June 2025
  • On Friday, head coach Javier Mascherano attempted to remain optimistic about his team’s chances to play a significant part in the tournament.
    Felipe Cardenas, New York Times, 15 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Propitious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/propitious. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.

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