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 And the present environment, with harsh temperatures, intense radiation, and a sparse atmosphere, isn’t exactly propitious for life. Elizabeth Rayne, ArsTechnica, 19 Apr. 2025 But the timing of his current warning may be propitious. Michael Peregrine, Forbes, 18 Mar. 2025 This might have been an even more propitious sign of what was to come. Louisa Thomas, The New Yorker, 9 Mar. 2025 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 See All Example Sentences for propitious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for propitious
Adjective
  • As federal grants disappear and career prospects dim, our most promising scientists and engineers in cyber-critical fields will inevitably seek opportunities in other friendly and permissive countries with stable research funding and a strong national commitment.
    Denis Mandich, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2025
  • Iran, by far the world’s largest Shiite-majority country, encouraged these groups—mostly Shiite minorities—by scouting them, nurturing the most promising, and building trust and fellow feeling.
    Graeme Wood, The Atlantic, 2 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • In the east, crews continued to build line between Wiseman Springs and Rancheria Creek, engaging the fire directly along its active edge where favorable.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 6 Sep. 2025
  • Environmental conditions are favorable for development of this system, currently labeled as Invest 91L, and a tropical depression is likely to form over the weekend or early next week as the system moves slowly westward across the central tropical Atlantic.
    Gabe Hauari, USA Today, 5 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The Pixel’s Magic Editor leverages generative AI tools, which can remove objects in the background, alter lighting, and realistically change the entire mood of a phone (a bright middary sun can easily be compensated for).
    Ewan Spence, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Academy graduate Charlie Tasker is a bright prospect.
    Andy Naylor, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • There was a brief period towards the end of last season when Destiny Udogie was preferred for high-profile matches, but Spence’s performances under Frank have been encouraging.
    Jay Harris, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2025
  • Waller’s gait appeared normal in the locker room Friday, which was an encouraging sign.
    Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 6 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Perhaps Vrabel knew something optimistic fans did not know.
    Mike Sando, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Klarna was unusually optimistic about AI’s capabilities.
    Peter Cohan, Forbes.com, 6 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Propitious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/propitious. Accessed 8 Sep. 2025.

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