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 Drake enjoyed substantial community support with 49% having a very or somewhat favorable view, compared to 12% with a very or somewhat negative view. Nate Rau, Axios, 24 Oct. 2024 For example, Chinese foreign direct investment, via the Belt and Road Initiative, accelerated allowing the country to construct dual-use commercial-military capabilities in geostrategic locations and develop favorable trade relations with recipient countries. Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, TIME, 24 Oct. 2024 The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee is signaling to its allies in Montana, Ohio, and Alaska to push favorable messaging for independent candidates in an effort to appeal to Trump supporters. Elaine Mallon, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 24 Oct. 2024 This period between peak and off-peak travel gives travelers the advantages of smaller crowds, lower flight and hotel costs, and favorable weather. Stella Shon, Travel + Leisure, 23 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for favorable 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'favorable.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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 5 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
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