PROPITIOUS Synonyms: 95 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

propitious

adjective

prə-ˈpi-shəs

Definition of propitious

as in promising

having qualities which inspire hope the success of the first big movie in May was a propitious start for the summer season of blockbusters

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in favorable

pointing toward a happy outcome a propitious time for starting a business

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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