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

The party has a 54% unfavorable rating compared to 40% favorable, according to a RealClearPolitics polling average.

— Emily Hallas, The Washington Examiner, 19 Aug. 2026
But experts said the administration likely would appeal an unfavorable ruling to the Supreme Court, leaving the fate of hundreds of children and their families in doubt.

— Sonja Sharp, Los Angeles Times, 19 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
Despite the discouraging landscape, recruiters and career experts say there are still ways for recent graduates to stand out.

— Alyshia Hull, USA Today, 28 July 2026

Definition of discouraging

Adjective

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
Selina Wang, the lead author of the study, says the findings are particularly disheartening, as avocado oil products are often much more expensive than those made with olive or other vegetable oils.

— Brittney Melton, NPR, 24 July 2026

Definition of disheartening

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 27 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of unpropitious

adjective

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