favorable

adjective

fa·​vor·​able ˈfā-v(ə-)rə-bəl 

ˈfā-vər-bəl

1

a

: disposed to favor : partial

taking a favorable attitude toward our request

b

: expressing approval : commendatory

The movie received a favorable review.

c

: giving a result that is in one's favor

a favorable comparison

d

: affirmative

a favorable reply

2

: winning approval : pleasing

a favorable impression

3

a

: tending to promote or facilitate : advantageous

a favorable wind

b

: marked by success

a favorable demonstration of a new invention

favorability

ˌfā-v(ə-)rə-ˈbi-lə-tē 

ˌfā-vər-

noun

favorableness noun

favorably

ˈfā-v(ə-)rə-blē 

ˈfā-vər-blē

adverb

Synonyms

• admiring
• applauding
• appreciative
• approbatory
• approving
• commendatory
• complimentary
• friendly
• good
• positive

Choose the Right Synonym for favorable

favorable, auspicious, propitious 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

auspicious applies to something taken as a sign or omen promising success before or at the start of an event.

an auspicious beginning

propitious may also apply to beginnings but often implies a continuing favorable condition.

a propitious time for starting a business

Examples of favorable in a Sentence

The new play got many favorable reviews.

He was given a favorable recommendation.

Early test results were favorable.

Recent Examples on the Web

Cut to Trachtenberg’s Jenny in a luxurious spa bubble bath, making the most of a preposterously favorable exchange rate. —Stephanie Zacharek, TIME, 26 Feb. 2025

This spike is partly fueled by favorable exchange rates, although the popularity of country may be pushing overall spring break prices higher, with the average insured trip to Japan now costing nearly $10,000. —Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 26 Feb. 2025

Last year’s prices were particularly high in some areas but have remained largely stable due to a favorable supply situation. —Annika Pham, Variety, 25 Feb. 2025

For instance, during negotiations, remaining silent after making a key point can put the onus on the other party to respond, often leading to more favorable outcomes. —Cheryl Robinson, Forbes, 25 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

see favor entry 1

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for favorable

• unfavorable

Kids Definition

favorable

adjective

fa·​vor·​able ˈfāv-(ə-)rə-bəl 

ˈfā-vər-bəl

1

: showing favor : approving

a favorable reply

2

: promising, advantageous

favorable weather for the fair

favorableness noun

favorably

-blē 

adverb