favorable

adjective

ˈfā-v(ə-)rə-bəl How to pronounce favorable (audio)
Definition of favorablenext
1
as in positive
expressing approval favorable reviews for the movie were few

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in promising
pointing toward a happy outcome favorable economic conditions for opening a new business

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
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 The area may be seen as particularly favorable because the highway has been widened, offering easy access to Omaha to the northeast, and to the college town of Lincoln to the southwest. — Will Weissert, Fortune, 26 Aug. 2026 The 13th District has typically been extremely favorable for Democratic candidates. — Dan Raby, CBS News, 26 Aug. 2026 When one school can gain from a court ruling by playing an ineligible player for another season, that school gets to play by a different and favorable set of rules. — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 25 Aug. 2026 But a favorable political environment and strong polling numbers are fueling optimism Cooper may break the losing streak. — Charlotte Observer, 25 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for favorable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for favorable
  1. positive
  2. promising
  3. beneficial
  4. good
  5. encouraging
  6. helpful
  7. bright
Adjective
  • On Thursday local time, Chicago Fed President Austan Goolsbee stated in an interview with CNBC that while the latest PCE inflation report delivered positive signals, overall price pressures remain elevated.
    — , CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Sanders tested positive for alcohol consumption on a portable device and performed poorly on the field sobriety test, the complaint says.
    — Lawrence Dow, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of positive
Adjective
  • With Adults, being funny is what matters most, and in that regard, this is a very promising premiere.
    — Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Smaller payouts scare off potential investors, meaning promising treatments are often left on a shelf.
    — Brad Quick, CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of promising
Adjective
  • Unlike tobacco, a static product with no real defensible qualities outside of recreation, consumer technology is ever evolving, and the lines between harmfully addictive and beneficial to society can be extremely blurry.
    — Jonathan Vanian, CNBC, 30 Aug. 2026
  • Also, ants are a beneficial insect and may not even be harming your plants.
    — Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of beneficial
Adjective
  • Best Amazon End-of-Season Patio Furniture Deals The end-of-season patio furniture deals at Amazon are too good to pass up.
    — Maria Conti, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Grichuk put a good swing on a slider while flying out to left field.
    — LaMond Pope, Chicago Tribune, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of good
Adjective
  • While this figure appears to add a bright spot to an otherwise weak employment report, the underlying cause is far from encouraging.
    — , CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
  • At safety, Chamarri Conner and Alohi Gilman are the starters, and Jaden Hicks has had an encouraging preseason.
    — Sam McDowell, Kansas City Star, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of encouraging
Adjective
  • Squeeze bottles are also helpful for storing and dispensing homemade condiments (think spicy mayo) or syrups for coffee or cocktails.
    — Alaina Chou, Bon Appetit Magazine, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Starter Davis Martin said the veterans who have been in past playoff pushes have been helpful.
    — LaMond Pope, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of helpful
Adjective
  • Put the cutting in a warm place with bright, indirect light, keep the soil evenly moist, and open the bag once each day to let in fresh air.
    — Alexandra Jones, The Spruce, 30 Aug. 2026
  • Mystery Men Throw it back to the Y2K era with this 1999 comedy starring a plethora of the era’s brightest comedic talents, including Ben Stiller, Kel Mitchell, Janeane Garofolo, and Paul Reubens.
    — Kara Nesvig, Parents, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of bright

Browse Nearby Words

favor
favorable
favorably
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Favorable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/favorable. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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