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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

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 favorable Although the idea didn’t garner enough support 44 years ago, the current political climate makes conditions more favorable. Fred L. Pincus, The Conversation, 21 Mar. 2025 The plan commission forwards a recommendation either favorable or unfavorable to the Porter County Board of Commissioners who would then have two readings, the first at a public hearing, while the second does not require a public hearing. Shelley Jones, Chicago Tribune, 21 Mar. 2025 The stats aren’t favorable across the corporate world. Kif Leswing, CNBC, 20 Mar. 2025 There is also a favorable job market in fields such as construction and many trades. Allison Schrager, Twin Cities, 19 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for favorable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for favorable
Adjective
  • While Germans are usually very image-conscious over their military, particularly given the country’s history, polling suggests many now hold a more positive opinion.
    Sebastian Shukla, CNN, 23 Mar. 2025
  • Researchers noted the positive effects of ecstatic epilepsy and synthesized fifty-three theoretical models of delusion.
    Rafil Kroll-Zaidi, Harper's Magazine, 23 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • One promising method for addressing this demand is through collaborations between individuals and brands.
    Rafael Schwarz, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025
  • Tenacious when tackling and unafraid of a high-intensity sprint (whether getting forward or tracking back), he is considered a promising talent.
    Carl Anka, The Athletic, 21 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • And apparently, the 39-year-old’s presence has been beneficial, rubbing off on Bridges.
    Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 15 Mar. 2025
  • Hanging over the family and the franchise is the lawsuit filed by Peter Seidler’s widow, Sheel Seidler, who is the beneficial owner of the trust’s stake in the Padres.
    Kevin Acee, Chicago Tribune, 14 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Forbes Daily: Join over 1 million Forbes Daily subscribers and get our best stories, exclusive reporting and essential analysis of the day’s news in your inbox every weekday.
    Erik Kain, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025
  • The city of Providence continues to be good to Pitino, who famously led Providence College to the Final Four in 1987 toward the beginning of his storied career.
    Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 21 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • He was embraced by Lewis Hamilton's father, Anthony Hamilton, who then offered him encouraging words to boost his morale.
    Mark Davis, Newsweek, 16 Mar. 2025
  • The current adoption trends are encouraging, particularly in healthcare and sustainability.
    Bernard Marr, Forbes, 14 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Potential longevity benefits Studies suggest that calorie restriction (without malnutrition) may promote longevity by reducing oxidative stress (an imbalance of harmful free radicals and helpful antioxidants) and inflammation.4 5.
    Heather Jones, Verywell Health, 19 Mar. 2025
  • Our seven-part guide has helpful hints to achieve better sleep. CNN — The future of Ukraine.
    Sandee LaMotte, CNN, 19 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Booming star formation can affect how bright a galaxy appears.
    Jackie Wattles, CNN, 22 Mar. 2025
  • Artificial lights stay bright 24 hours a day, and CCTV cameras and armed guards monitor each cell.
    Josh Meyer, USA TODAY, 22 Mar. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Favorable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/favorable. Accessed 27 Mar. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on favorable

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