UNPROPITIOUS Synonyms: 85 Similar and Opposite Words

unpropitious

adjective

Definition of unpropitious

as in unfavorable

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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 unpropitious Handing the baton to Harris at this unpropitious time for Democrats is like Napoleon’s handing off his military command to Marshal Ney to conduct the disastrous French retreat from Moscow in 1812, featuring 500,000 French casualties. — Armstrong Williams, Baltimore Sun, 23 July 2024 The exhausted refugees are greeted by a functionary of the Relief Committee with the unpropitious nickname Statistics Babu. — Parul Sehgal, The New Yorker, 26 Dec. 2022 JoyFish sits in a strip mall in an unpropitious space that has seen several restaurants come and go. — Tan Vinh, The Seattle Times, 11 July 2017

Recent Examples of Synonyms for unpropitious

Adjective

Among Republicans, 10% now give him an unfavorable rating, and among independents, 51%- 42% have an unfavorable view.

— Susan Page, USA Today, 26 Aug. 2026
First responders also urge residents not to enter the water at all when swimming is prohibited, especially during unfavorable weather.

— Claire Murphy, Chicago Tribune, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of unfavorable

Adjective

From those unpromising beginnings, Ondaatje found, in his writing, newness and, in language, a certain freedom.

— Amitava Kumar, New Yorker, 19 Aug. 2026
The surprising discovery awaiting us below the thicket of its atmosphere has quashed the notion that worlds far from the Sun are unpromising destinations in the search for life-supporting environments.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 22 May 2026

Definition of unpromising

Adjective

Then a rough 2025, a crowded rotation in 2026 and a discouraging bullpen stint led Pfaadt back to Reno.

— Tyler Kepner, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2026
However, there is nothing more discouraging than bringing home a piece of salmon from the grocery store and opening it up to a slight fishy smell.

— Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 16 Aug. 2026

Definition of discouraging

Adjective

Amid disheartening and disruptive school closures and thousands of position cuts districts have been forced to implement due to million-dollar budget shortfalls, vacancies have continued to climb.

— Andrew Spar, Sun Sentinel, 24 Aug. 2026
This has been especially disheartening because the strategy and RPG elements the series is known for have so far been excellent.

— Jay Peters, The Verge, 13 Aug. 2026

Definition of disheartening

Adjective

This latest attempt to move, a hopeless punt to have his contract annulled in order to leave on a free sooner, will likely see anger return at Selhurst Park on Friday night against Manchester City.

— Matt Woosnam, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026
Ever the hopeless romantic, Ted searches for the love of his life through a constant series of twists, turns, diversions, blue French horns, slap bets, and yellow umbrellas.

— Skyler Trepel, Entertainment Weekly, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of hopeless

Adjective

The storm let up before daybreak, but the morning was gray and cheerless with a cold wind.

— Elwyn "Bud" Myers, Outdoor Life, 11 Mar. 2026
Gomez gestured across the street toward 100 Centre Street—the criminal courthouse, a cheerless Art Deco building the color of cinder blocks.

— Sarah Lustbader, The New Yorker, 10 Mar. 2025

Definition of cheerless

Adjective

The blue line was dismal in the club's opening-round playoff defeat, allowing an abysmal eight power-play goals on 15 attempts and 26 goals over six games.

— Janson Duench, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2026
Senga, once billed as the staff ace, has been downright dismal this season as a starter.

— Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 15 Aug. 2026

Definition of dismal

Adjective

My journalistic interest in the world’s favorite dessert was first piqued on a gloomy December day in 2009, when a friend and I toured a chocolate factory.

— Kendra Nordin Beato, Christian Science Monitor, 21 Aug. 2026
Abrams is a player who is both imperfect and essential to a team that has far exceeded its gloomy preseason projections.

— Spencer Nusbaum, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of gloomy

Browse Nearby Words

unprompted

unpropitious

unprosperous

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“Unpropitious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unpropitious. Accessed 29 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of unpropitious

adjective

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