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 storm took advantage of rare favorable conditions off the Gulf Coast, says Brian McNoldy, a hurricane researcher at the University of Miami. — Mary Randolph, Scientific American, 13 Oct. 2026 With little or no employment income, retirees may be in a low tax bracket, enabling them to convert traditional IRA savings to a Roth IRA at a relatively favorable tax rate. — John Csiszar, Washington Post, 11 Oct. 2026 Chief Justice John Roberts gave the Federal Communications Commission a temporary win on Thursday in its legal battle over who is entitled to favorable advertising rates in the closing weeks of the costly and hotly contested midterm elections. — Jack Birle, The Washington Examiner, 9 Oct. 2026 Its landscapes, tax incentives and favorable exchange rate drawing in Hollywood productions. — Katherine Brodsky, Variety, 9 Oct. 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
  • The co-production also proved a positive experience for producers at NHK.
    — Ed Meza, Variety, 14 Oct. 2026
  • The bread-winning Global Banking & Markets division delivered strong results, which was very much behind the relatively positive reaction in the stock.
    — Zev Fima, CNBC, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of positive
Adjective
  • This difference matters because promising materials must eventually be synthesized and processed into practical device structures.
    — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 13 Oct. 2026
  • After a promising start to the potential game-tying drive in the extra frame, Tagovailoa would toss an interception to Baltimore All-Pro safety Kyle Hamilton to seal Atlanta's fate.
    — Austin Perry OutKick, FOXNews.com, 12 Oct. 2026
Definition of promising
Adjective
  • More research is needed to better understand the connection between creatine and cognition; but the supplement may be beneficial for brain health, particularly in older adults and for issues related to sleep deprivation.
    — Deborah Vankin, Los Angeles Times, 19 Oct. 2026
  • But Helland said such undertakings, while potentially beneficial, were voluntary on the part of the cities.
    — Sharon Bernstein, Sacbee.com, 19 Oct. 2026
Definition of beneficial
Adjective
  • Even if Chili’s dismissal is unrelated, an ex-employee is a good place to start.
    — Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 15 Oct. 2026
  • In 2025, Toho posted its best-ever results at the Japanese box office.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of good
Adjective
  • Niccol personally assured us that Starbucks isn’t pursuing a Chipotle acquisition, and that the encouraging trends from its latest quarter are continuing.
    — Alexa LoMonaco,Kevin Stankiewicz, CNBC, 15 Oct. 2026
  • For Hoffman, the evening’s results were encouraging but not necessarily conclusive, and the extensive use of guarantees should be taken with a grain of salt.
    — Daniel Cassady, ARTnews.com, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of encouraging
Adjective
  • The quick start guide is helpful for getting the microwave ready to use, while a more extensive booklet provides the nitty-gritty details on settings and modes like the sophisticated sensor-reheating functions (more on that later).
    — Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Subscription creep can sneak up on you, so having a tool that keeps them all in one place can be helpful.
    — Ryley Amond, CNBC, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of helpful
Adjective
  • The skies over England were bright with auroras on October 18, 1848, as the Sun was entering a more active phase in its solar cycle.
    — Mike McRae October 15, New Atlas, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Skies of bright October blue pave the way for not-so-distant November gray.
    — Dana Kelley, Arkansas Online, 16 Oct. 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 21 Oct. 2026.

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