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 The most propitious of these days occur in cycles of 12 years during a festival called the Maha Kumbh Mela, or pitcher festival. Fox News, 13 Jan. 2025 Once again, these were two propitious investments ahead of a massive surge in shale oil and gas production across the U.S. that made the U.S. self-sufficient in oil and gas in 2020, the first time since 1947. Ian Dexter Palmer, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024 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 See All Example Sentences for propitious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for propitious
Adjective
  • 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
  • One promising method for addressing this demand is through collaborations between individuals and brands.
    Rafael Schwarz, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • As the Trump administration continues to pursue a deal to end the war in Ukraine — one that may end up being more favorable to Moscow than Kyiv — Europeans, for the first time in decades, are focusing on their own military might.
    Sebastian Shukla, CNN, 23 Mar. 2025
  • 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
Adjective
  • Keep in mind that the shamrock green color, though very bright and cheery, is the only color option.
    Melanie Fincher, Southern Living, 22 Mar. 2025
  • Numerous expansive windows let in natural light so the interior living space is bright.
    David Caraccio, Sacramento Bee, 22 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Despite their life-altering, Chelsea provided an encouraging update just before the start of the 2025 MLB season this week, sharing that Max has seen incredible recovery in the nine months since he was first diagnosed.
    Paulina Dedaj, FOXNews.com, 28 Mar. 2025
  • For human surfers and swimmers, the results were somewhat encouraging.
    Corinne Purtill, Los Angeles Times, 28 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Surround Yourself with Positive Influences Entrepreneurs and investors who network with forward-thinking, optimistic individuals are more likely to maintain a long-term perspective on financial growth.
    Shane Enete, Forbes, 24 Mar. 2025
  • Analysts are optimistic on the stock’s upward potential, even as Target shares have suffered.
    Hakyung Kim, CNBC, 22 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Propitious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/propitious. Accessed 3 Apr. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on propitious

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