Synonym Chooser

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

The words auspicious and favorable are common synonyms of propitious. While all three words mean "pointing toward a happy outcome," propitious may also apply to beginnings but often implies a continuing favorable condition.

a propitious time for starting a business

In what contexts can auspicious take the place of propitious?

In some situations, the words auspicious and propitious 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

Where would favorable be a reasonable alternative to propitious?

The synonyms favorable and propitious are sometimes interchangeable, but favorable implies that the persons involved are approving or helpful or that the circumstances are advantageous.

favorable weather conditions

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 propitious But the timing of his current warning may be propitious. Michael Peregrine, Forbes, 18 Mar. 2025 This might have been an even more propitious sign of what was to come. Louisa Thomas, The New Yorker, 9 Mar. 2025 Fintech investment’s 2024 dip to a seven-year low is the propitious moment for this investment category, too, to modernize. Ruth Foxe Blader, Forbes, 25 Feb. 2025 The opening marked the debut of The New Yorker, which celebrates its 100th anniversary this week at a moment that is not propitious for either magazines or movies. Peter Bart, Deadline, 20 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for propitious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for propitious
Adjective
  • The amalgamation of artificial intelligence with quantum computing will transform existing computational paradigms, heralding a promising future, but with risks.
    Chuck Brooks, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2025
  • Sarr shows promising signs Arsenal’s goalkeeper David Raya kept trying to catch Spurs off guard by mixing up the length of his passes.
    Jay Harris, New York Times, 31 July 2025
Adjective
  • YouGov/Economist also reported a decline, from 39 percent favorable and 45 percent unfavorable in January to 37 percent favorable and 51 percent unfavorable in July.
    Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Aug. 2025
  • The risk-benefit ratio of the COVID-19 vaccination remains strongly favorable.
    Armstrong Williams, Baltimore Sun, 2 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • The Perseids is known to produce bright meteors and even fireballs that will shine through the bright lunar light.
    Stephanie Vermillion, Travel + Leisure, 1 Aug. 2025
  • With Carson Hooper on board, the business has a bright future, Harley Hooper believes.
    Jean E. Palmieri, Footwear News, 1 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • The order was encouraging, said Erin Tsurumoto Grassi, associate director of Alliance San Diego, a nonprofit that provides legal services to immigrants and advocates for human rights.
    Teri Figueroa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 July 2025
  • At the event, Toledo told Variety the response from industry delegates in his back-to-back one-on-one meetings during the market has been encouraging.
    Jennie Punter, Variety, 25 July 2025
Adjective
  • Variety projected the film to earn $45 million to $52 million this weekend, while Box Office Pro’s forecast was a bit more optimistic with a $45 million to $55 million second frame projection.
    Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2025
  • Turkish denim mill Isko is less optimistic about business.
    Andre Claudio, Sourcing Journal, 1 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Propitious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/propitious. Accessed 8 Aug. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on propitious

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