FAVORABLE Synonyms: 139 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

favorable

adjective

ˈfā-v(ə-)rə-bəl

Definition of favorable next

as in positive

expressing approval favorable reviews for the movie were few

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in promising

pointing toward a happy outcome favorable economic conditions for opening a new business

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in beneficial

promoting or contributing to personal or social well-being moved to a region with a milder climate in the hope that it would be more favorable to his health

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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 favorable By applying enough pressure now, the thinking goes, Ukraine and its backers can enter talks from a favorable position, and Russian President Vladimir Putin will be forced to engage in good-faith negotiations that end in a satisfactory settlement. —

Alexandra Prokopenko, Foreign Affairs, 21 Jan. 2025 But Cannon handed Trump several lifelines with favorable legal rulings and eventually dismissed the case on the grounds that Smith was improperly appointed. —

Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 21 Jan. 2025 And why was that favorable over going to a team where he could be paired with his own GM of choice? —

Colleen Kane, Chicago Tribune, 21 Jan. 2025 There is a close split between favorable (46%) and unfavorable (48%) opinions of Trump, personally. —

Lizzie Hyman, People.com, 20 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for favorable

Recent Examples of Synonyms for favorable

Adjective

The birds tested positive for H5N1 influenza, the bird flu that has been infecting people, poultry and pets since 2022.

— Joseph Wilkinson, New York Daily News, 22 Jan. 2025
Researchers noted the positive effects of ecstatic epilepsy and synthesized fifty-three theoretical models of delusion.

— Rafil Kroll-Zaidi, Harper's Magazine, 22 Jan. 2025