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

Examples 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 International pressure, particularly the U.S. policies over the preceding decade, is a key factor contributing to this propitious development. Jose Ignacio Hernández, Foreign Affairs, 29 July 2024 The Screenings come at a propitious time in many ways for Spanish cinema. John Hopewell, Variety, 3 Mar. 2024 Yet this seemingly propitious combination has locked the Federal Reserve into inaction. Jeff Sommer, New York Times, 1 Feb. 2024 Just a few months later, however, the situation looks less propitious for Ukraine. Liana Fix, Foreign Affairs, 28 Nov. 2023 See all Example Sentences for propitious 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for propitious
Adjective
  • Nearly two decades later, after discussing a promising new investigative technique called genetic genealogy at a family reunion, Jack searched online for genetic genealogists and learned about CeCe Moore, a pioneering DNA sleuth who, at that time, had helped to solve dozens of cases.
    KC Baker, People.com, 27 Nov. 2024
  • For years, overshadowed by its neighboring emirates of Dubai and Abu Dhabi, Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) is now stepping into the spotlight as one of the UAE’s most promising real estate hotspots for property investors.
    Arash Jalili, Forbes, 27 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Chicago and Detroit may see some problems at their airports on Sunday, but the East and West Coast look favorable for road and air travel.
    Marlene Lenthang, NBC News, 28 Nov. 2024
  • The global oil price, which determines the main source of foreign exchange inflows to Russia, stays at a relatively favorable level above $70 per barrel.
    Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 28 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • The wider the dynamic range, the more information the webcam can capture in the brightest highlights and darkest shadows in a single shot.
    Kyle J. Russell, USA TODAY, 29 Nov. 2024
  • Clear conditions are best to take a peek at the bright lights.
    Rebecca Cohen, NBC News, 28 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Such competitiveness is encouraging to supporters in Palma and outside.
    Henry Flynn, Forbes, 30 Nov. 2024
  • There are two encouraging signs about the incoming Trump administration.
    Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 27 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • The Hollywood Reporter’s own Wizard of Odds, Scott Feinberg, ranked it a far more optimistic 6th out of his top 10.
    Seth Abramovitch, The Hollywood Reporter, 29 Nov. 2024
  • But the Brookings paper takes a more optimistic tack, predicting one of AI’s largest benefits will result from accelerating the efficacy of preventative care and disease detection.
    Hakyung Kim, CNBC, 28 Nov. 2024

Podcast

Thesaurus Entries Near propitious

Cite this Entry

“Propitious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/propitious. Accessed 8 Dec. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on propitious

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!