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 Omnipod’s attractive economics and ease of access depend partly on Medicare, Medicaid, and commercial insurers continuing to provide favorable coverage for insulin-pump therapy. — Harvey Stober, CNBC, 1 Sep. 2026 In more favorable cases, growth creates complexity faster than the organization can absorb it. — Kumar Rupesh, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2026 Espada is paid to put it in favorable positions, even when few seem to exist. — Chandler Rome, New York Times, 31 Aug. 2026 September is the typical peak of Atlantic hurricane season thanks to a combination of more favorable weather ingredients. — Chris Dolce, CNN Money, 31 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
  • Though Rosado tested positive for a small amount of meth and had been going up to 90 mph, the evidence indicated that Rosado had fallen asleep and that his car drifted off the freeway before hitting a guardrail, Cherney said.
    — Amanda Lee Myers, USA Today, 4 Sep. 2026
  • His remarks later shifted toward perseverance and remaining positive through difficult circumstances.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of positive
Adjective
  • Transplants of muscle stem cells are a promising avenue for research, having distinct advantages over other tissues in their ability to encourage the growth of new blood vessels and limitations on rapid growth.
    — Mike McRae September 02, New Atlas, 3 Sep. 2026
  • The goalkeeping department has probably been downgraded, considering the highly promising Trafford left, and was replaced by Geronimo Rulli, a solid backup option at 34 years of age.
    — Sam Lee, New York Times, 3 Sep. 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
  • The Seahawks are high on Stephens, a fifth-round rookie out of Iowa who had an encouraging preseason.
    — Andrew Destin, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Investors welcomed some encouraging signals about demand for artificial intelligence from two big tech companies, Dell and Palo Alto Networks.
    — Damian J. Troise, Los Angeles Times, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of encouraging
Adjective
  • Removable cushions make spot-cleaning easier which is especially helpful with kids, pets, snacks, or all of the above.
    — Jeaneen Russell, PEOPLE, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Playing the helpful citizen, Martinez drove his literal truckload of ALPR bits directly to the Sheriff’s department, where he was promptly taken into custody.
    — Joe Wilkins, Futurism, 3 Sep. 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
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Cite this Entry

“Favorable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/favorable. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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