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Synonym Chooser

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

The words auspicious and propitious are common synonyms of favorable. While all three words 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

When is auspicious a more appropriate choice than favorable?

In some situations, the words auspicious and favorable are roughly equivalent. However, auspicious applies to something taken as a sign or omen promising success before or at the start of an event.

an auspicious beginning

When is it sensible to use propitious instead of favorable?

While in some cases nearly identical to favorable, 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 favorable This standard is the least favorable to the government. Alden Abbott, Forbes, 19 Dec. 2024 The Chinese government allegedly used a Chino Hills man in an effort to advance policies favorable to the People’s Republic of China in Southern California local governments, according to a criminal complaint released Thursday. Hannah Fry, Los Angeles Times, 19 Dec. 2024 While some of them have earned favorable reviews, low efficiency and range have marred ratings in certain publications. New Atlas, 18 Dec. 2024 For instance, 60% of business decision-makers had favorable impressions of Baltimore. Lorraine Mirabella, Baltimore Sun, 18 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for favorable 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for favorable
Adjective
  • Despite more positive reports in previous months, concerns remain about the economic outlook, leaving policymakers and businesses questioning whether the downturn in confidence will translate to slower growth in 2024.
    Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 24 Dec. 2024
  • However, a powerful shift really begins to unfold for you on January 11, when the North Node of Destiny officially enters Pisces, driving you toward personal growth and positive relationship developments.
    Roya Backlund, StyleCaster, 23 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • The next day, the EBR-I’s output reached 100 kilowatts, powering all the electronics in the building, another promising indication of the development of nuclear power.
    Eli Wizevich, Smithsonian Magazine, 20 Dec. 2024
  • Eagles come up empty on opening drive after Jake Elliott misses field goal Philly's opening drive got off to a promising start, with the big play being an A.J. Brown 32-yard catch-and-run.
    Jim Reineking, USA TODAY, 20 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Fagioli has sparkled in moments since returning from his betting ban earlier this year, but under Motta the 23-year-old has slipped down the pecking order, and a sale could be beneficial for all concerned.
    Emmet Gates, Forbes, 27 Dec. 2024
  • Simpson says this creates a more stable environment for beneficial gut bacteria to thrive and helps regulate the immune response by preventing immune over-activation linked to poor gut barrier function.
    Sandra Rose Salathe, Flow Space, 26 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • And the spiritual rationale for generosity turns out to be the same as the worldly one: hope in a good future.
    Matthew Scogin, Forbes, 20 Dec. 2024
  • Shoes with good cushioning and substantial arch support can help take some pressure off your heels and alleviate that discomfort.
    Sara Coughlin, SELF, 20 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Plus, the report card on the impact of upward wealth mobility of these prestigious schools is much more encouraging that the critics from the left and the right acknowledge.
    Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, TIME, 28 Dec. 2024
  • For instance, in the days before Bangladesh’s elections, deepfakes circulated online encouraging supporters of one of the country’s political parties to boycott the vote.
    Vittoria Elliott, WIRED, 26 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • The TikTok trends that coined wacky new terms, the brand scandals that got everyone checking their lot numbers, the most memorable celebrity makeup moments—this is your final exam on 2024’s hairiest, happiest, and most helpful beauty stories.
    Marci Robin, Allure, 19 Dec. 2024
  • Government shutdowns have proven to be ineffective ways to reform spending, but deals crafted around the debt limit have in the past proven helpful.
    The Editors, National Review, 19 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Advertisement The Thurman fight was under the bright lights of the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, where Pacquiao had made his boxing home.
    Bill Dwyre, Los Angeles Times, 22 Dec. 2024
  • Walk through the bright lights, go ice skating in the he rink or partake in some fun holiday photo opps.
    Michele Herrmann, Forbes, 22 Dec. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near favorable

Cite this Entry

“Favorable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/favorable. Accessed 4 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on favorable

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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