favorable

adjective

fa·​vor·​able ˈfā-v(ə-)rə-bəl How to pronounce favorable (audio)
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 noun
favorableness noun
favorably
ˈfā-v(ə-)rə-blē How to pronounce favorable (audio)
ˈfā-vər-blē
adverb
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
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.
The filing also details the company's legal proceedings, including a favorable judgment in a trademark infringement lawsuit. Quartz Bot, Quartz, 14 Nov. 2024 Overnight and into Monday morning, fire crews took advantage of favorable conditions, building up the containment line around the blaze. Patrick Smith, NBC News, 12 Nov. 2024 As Michigan’s presidential results slowly came in around 10:30, Hoekstra announced a favorable trend for Trump. Dana Afana, Detroit Free Press, 6 Nov. 2024 Under a Trump presidency, expectations are for digital currencies such as bitcoin to scale to new heights due to a more favorable regulatory regime. Fred Imbert, CNBC, 5 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for favorable 

Word History

Etymology

see favor entry 1

First Known Use

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of favorable was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near favorable

Cite this Entry

“Favorable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/favorable. Accessed 24 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

favorable

adjective
fa·​vor·​able ˈfāv-(ə-)rə-bəl How to pronounce favorable (audio)
ˈfā-vər-bəl
1
: showing favor : approving
a favorable reply
2
: promising, advantageous
favorable weather for the fair
favorableness noun
favorably adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on favorable

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!