favorable

adjective

fa·​vor·​able ˈfā-v(ə-)rə-bəl 

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

ˌfā-v(ə-)rə-ˈbi-lə-tē 

ˌfā-vər-

noun

favorableness noun

favorably

ˈfā-v(ə-)rə-blē 

ˈfā-vər-blē

adverb

Synonyms

• admiring
• applauding
• appreciative
• approbatory
• approving
• commendatory
• complimentary
• friendly
• good
• positive

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

Examples of favorable in a Sentence

The new play got many favorable reviews.

He was given a favorable recommendation.

Early test results were favorable.

Recent Examples on the Web

Elon Musk doesn’t miss an opportunity to take a dig at OpenAI — even when the news item in question is supposed to be favorable to President Trump. —Chris Welch, The Verge, 22 Jan. 2025

Picture a future where devices not only interpret your words but also recognize emotional cues, adapt to your preferences, anticipate needs and support you in creating favorable outcomes at home or work. —Thorsten Zander, Forbes, 22 Jan. 2025

In this session, White will discuss crypto’s growing political machinery, what’s at stake as the industry pushes for favorable legislation, and how this watershed moment could reshape both crypto regulation and the broader future of financial technology. —Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 21 Jan. 2025

The Suns received the least favorable of the first-round picks between the Cleveland Cavaliers and Minnesota Timberwolves this year and the least favorable of the Cavaliers, Timberwolves and Jazz picks in 2027 and 2029. —Sam Vecenie, The Athletic, 21 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

see favor entry 1

First Known Use

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

Kids Definition

favorable

adjective

fa·​vor·​able ˈfāv-(ə-)rə-bəl 

ˈfā-vər-bəl

1

: showing favor : approving

a favorable reply

2

: promising, advantageous

favorable weather for the fair

favorableness noun

favorably

-blē 

adverb