favorable

adjective

fa·​vor·​able ˈfā-v(ə-)rə-bəl How to pronounce favorable (audio)
ˈfā-vər-bəl
1
a
: disposed to favor : partial
taking a favorable attitude toward our request
b
: expressing approval : commendatory
The movie received a favorable review.
c
: giving a result that is in one's favor
a favorable comparison
d
: affirmative
a favorable reply
2
: winning approval : pleasing
a favorable impression
3
a
: tending to promote or facilitate : advantageous
a favorable wind
b
: marked by success
a favorable demonstration of a new invention
favorability noun
favorableness noun
favorably
ˈfā-v(ə-)rə-blē How to pronounce favorable (audio)
ˈfā-vər-blē
adverb
Choose the Right Synonym for favorable

favorable, auspicious, propitious mean pointing toward a happy outcome.

favorable implies that the persons involved are approving or helpful or that the circumstances are advantageous.

favorable weather conditions

auspicious applies to something taken as a sign or omen promising success before or at the start of an event.

an auspicious beginning

propitious may also apply to beginnings but often implies a continuing favorable condition.

a propitious time for starting a business

Example Sentences

The new play got many favorable reviews. He was given a favorable recommendation. Early test results were favorable.
Recent Examples on the Web At least partly as a result of that shift, the communities have negotiated deals that are more favorable to public coffers and less lucrative to the tech companies. oregonlive, 26 Feb. 2023 Prosecutors usually win preliminary hearings since the standard of proof is lower than at trial and the evidence must be viewed in a light most favorable to them. Colleen Slevin, Anchorage Daily News, 23 Feb. 2023 Prosecutors usually win preliminary hearings since the standard of proof is lower than at trial and the evidence must be viewed in a light most favorable to them. Colleen Slevin, Chicago Tribune, 22 Feb. 2023 Prosecutors usually win preliminary hearings since the standard of proof is lower than at trial and the evidence must be viewed in a light most favorable to them. CBS News, 22 Feb. 2023 Inevitably, The National Interest started running articles favorable to Putin and Trump. Timothy Noah, The New Republic, 21 Feb. 2023 The communications minister has threatened to defund Israel’s public broadcaster, reportedly hoping to funnel money to a channel favorable to Netanyahu. Ruth Margalit, The New Yorker, 20 Feb. 2023 The terms are highly favorable to the borrower: no interest and no monthly payments with the balance due after 30 years or when the house sells. Doug Smithsenior Writer, Los Angeles Times, 11 Feb. 2023 His account suggested that much of what had been reported — and much of what the White House wanted reported — was wrong, or at least shaded in terms favorable to the vice president. Paul Farhi, Washington Post, 7 Feb. 2023 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'favorable.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Word History

Etymology

see favor entry 1

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of favorable was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near favorable

Cite this Entry

“Favorable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/favorable. Accessed 24 Mar. 2023.

Kids Definition

favorable

adjective
fa·​vor·​able ˈfāv-(ə-)rə-bəl How to pronounce favorable (audio)
ˈfā-vər-bəl
1
: showing favor : approving
a favorable reply
2
: promising, advantageous
favorable weather for the fair
favorableness noun
favorably adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on favorable

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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