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Synonym Chooser

How is the word favorable different from other adjectives like it?

The words auspicious and propitious are common synonyms of favorable. While all three words 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

When is auspicious a more appropriate choice than favorable?

In some situations, the words auspicious and favorable 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

When is it sensible to use propitious instead of favorable?

While in some cases nearly identical to favorable, propitious may also apply to beginnings but often implies a continuing favorable condition.

a propitious time for starting a business

Examples 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 favorable He is also accused of promoting advantageous regulations for media moguls in exchange for favorable coverage of himself and his family. Tia Goldenberg, Los Angeles Times, 10 Dec. 2024 The desire for positive press also crops up in the third and final allegation, where the PM stands accused of promoting regulations that benefited media moguls in exchange for favorable news coverage on popular news site Walla, owned by The Jerusalem Post. Joseph Epstein, Newsweek, 10 Dec. 2024 The good news for Ukraine is that Trump likes to negotiate a favorable deal, and Russia is growing weaker by the day. Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, TIME, 10 Dec. 2024 Tightening the sanctions noose would make Moscow’s colossal war effort less financially sustainable, and with the prospect of a sputtering war machine and domestic discontent over deteriorating economic conditions, Putin may feel pressure to accept terms more favorable to Ukraine. Theodore Bunzel, Foreign Affairs, 9 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for favorable 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for favorable
Adjective
  • Your emotional endurance, positive disposition, unbelievable talent (that blows me away), undeniable humor and loving, kind heart absolutely kill me.
    Marina Watts, People.com, 12 Dec. 2024
  • Still, the initial industry response to the White Sox’s four-player haul for Crochet seemed positive.
    Ken Rosenthal, The Athletic, 12 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • The former UConn standout and WNBA champion has been named General Manager of the Connecticut Sun, a move that cements her as one of the league’s most dynamic and promising leaders.
    Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 9 Dec. 2024
  • In the six conversations below, some of this year's most promising and ambitious chefs discuss everything from overcoming self-doubt during their first year in business to the work of preserving and amplifying their culture.
    Elazar Sontag, Bon Appétit, 9 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Budesonide: This corticosteroid may be beneficial when taken alongside Urso.
    Mark Gurarie, Health, 13 Dec. 2024
  • Getting regular exercise and avoiding or decreasing alcohol consumption are all beneficial, along with performing a monthly self breast exam.
    Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 13 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Joe Buscaglia, Bills beat writer Rams survive Allen’s best ‘hero ball’ Throughout the first half, the Rams’ defense (and Buffalo’s game plan) made Allen look mortal.
    Tim Graham, The Athletic, 9 Dec. 2024
  • Often, leaders have really good intentions to be inclusive, but obstacles or barriers get in the way.
    Julie Kratz, Forbes, 8 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Model healthy boundaries by setting expectations for email response times, limiting after-hours communications, and encouraging time off.
    Stephen Sokoler, Forbes, 16 Dec. 2024
  • Although overall inflation has picked up, the details have been more encouraging for Fed officials looking for a pullback.
    Paul Davidson, USA TODAY, 16 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Government shutdowns have proven to be ineffective ways to reform spending, but deals crafted around the debt limit have in the past proven helpful.
    The Editors, National Review, 19 Dec. 2024
  • The TikTok trends that coined wacky new terms, the brand scandals that got everyone checking their lot numbers, the most memorable celebrity makeup moments—this is your final exam on 2024’s hairiest, happiest, and most helpful beauty stories.
    Marci Robin, Allure, 19 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • The double layering feels a little less preppy and more fashion-forward, and the bright red adds a cheery color pop.
    Talia Abbas, Vogue, 10 Dec. 2024
  • The sky at the top of their driveway grew a brighter and brighter shade of red.
    Matt Hamilton, Los Angeles Times, 10 Dec. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near favorable

Cite this Entry

“Favorable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/favorable. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on favorable

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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