Synonym Chooser

How is the word auspicious different from other adjectives like it?

The words favorable and propitious are common synonyms of auspicious. While all three words mean "pointing toward a happy outcome," auspicious applies to something taken as a sign or omen promising success before or at the start of an event.

an auspicious beginning

In what contexts can favorable take the place of auspicious?

In some situations, the words favorable and auspicious are roughly equivalent. However, favorable implies that the persons involved are approving or helpful or that the circumstances are advantageous.

favorable weather conditions

When would propitious be a good substitute for auspicious?

The synonyms propitious and auspicious are sometimes interchangeable, but propitious may also apply to beginnings but often implies a continuing favorable condition.

a propitious time for starting a business

Examples 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 auspicious Already, on Friday, JPMorgan Chase and Wells Fargo rallied after reporting their latest results this week, an auspicious start to the earnings season. Sarah Min, CNBC, 11 Oct. 2024 These are auspicious numbers for the latest entry into the space. Brad Japhe, Forbes, 9 Oct. 2024 California’s goal is even more auspicious, reaching for 100% zero-emission new vehicle sales by 2035. Pat Maio, Orange County Register, 8 Oct. 2024 Her performances on television were equally auspicious. Duane Byrge, The Hollywood Reporter, 27 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for auspicious 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for auspicious
Adjective
  • Viewers got tired of the endless bait-and-switches, and the promising and smart show of Lois & Clark’s first season slowly sputtered out by its fourth.
    Joshua Rivera, Vulture, 13 Nov. 2024
  • Such a promising shift was apparently driven in part by nationwide efforts to increase testing among pregnant women.
    Benjamin Ryan, NBC News, 12 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • The filing also details the company's legal proceedings, including a favorable judgment in a trademark infringement lawsuit.
    Quartz Bot, Quartz, 14 Nov. 2024
  • Overnight and into Monday morning, fire crews took advantage of favorable conditions, building up the containment line around the blaze.
    Patrick Smith, NBC News, 12 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Led by some of the brightest minds in fashion, the event will help attendees elevate their expertise and stay informed.
    SJ Studio, Sourcing Journal, 5 Nov. 2024
  • The new stars are still burning bright, but astronomers don’t expect any of them to last more than 10 million years.
    Ross Andersen, The Atlantic, 5 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • But the final results of the 10-year study, which focused on cow moose in the Cabinet and Salish Mountains, the Big Hole Valley, and the Rocky Mountain Front, were encouraging, says project lead and MFWP biologist Nick DeCesare.
    Katie Hill, Outdoor Life, 6 Nov. 2024
  • The defensive ranking is particularly encouraging, as the Packers really struggled on that side of the ball last year.
    Matt Modi, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Despite a bike bust in the years after the pandemic, both are optimistic about the industry’s future.
    Max Scheinblum, The Denver Post, 13 Nov. 2024
  • Our data is optimistic, but the politics is uncertain.
    James Morton Turner, Discover Magazine, 9 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • The essence of modern economic development is the continuing augmentation of human potential and a propitious business climate, framed by policies and institutions that help unlock the value in human beings.
    Nicholas Eberstadt, Foreign Affairs, 10 Oct. 2024
  • The best Spurs coverage in Alamo City, delivered to your inbox The player who had posted such a propitious rookie season by simply playing on instinct looked lost.
    Jeff McDonald, San Antonio Express-News, 2 Oct. 2024

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Cite this Entry

“Auspicious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/auspicious. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on auspicious

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