propitious

adjective

prə-ˈpi-shəs How to pronounce propitious (audio)
Definition of propitiousnext
1
as in promising
having qualities which inspire hope the success of the first big movie in May was a propitious start for the summer season of blockbusters

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in favorable
pointing toward a happy outcome a propitious time for starting a business

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

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

The words auspicious and favorable are common synonyms of propitious. While all three words mean "pointing toward a happy outcome," propitious may also apply to beginnings but often implies a continuing favorable condition.

a propitious time for starting a business

In what contexts can auspicious take the place of propitious?

In some situations, the words auspicious and propitious 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

Where would favorable be a reasonable alternative to propitious?

The synonyms favorable and propitious are sometimes interchangeable, but favorable implies that the persons involved are approving or helpful or that the circumstances are advantageous.

favorable weather conditions

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 propitious The book has recently been reissued at what feels like a propitious moment, when modern treatments of Greek myth proliferate, many of them adapting stories about destiny and order for a chaotic and individualistic time. — Rachel Vorona Cote, The Atlantic, 5 Jan. 2026 Southwest, which continues to cement its position as California’s largest volume air carrier, has acknowledged the timing is especially propitious for San Diego, which recently debuted the first phase of its new, much larger Terminal 1. — Lori Weisberg, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 Dec. 2025 Canal supporters identified the break in the Appalachian Mountains at the junction of the Mohawk River and the Hudson as a propitious place to dig a channel to Lake Erie. — Christine Keiner, The Conversation, 15 Oct. 2025 Entering the season with enormous expectations after a propitious debut with the Gophers in 2024, naturally, must be quite the pinch-me experience for the second-year safety. — Dave Campbell, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for propitious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for propitious
  1. promising
  2. favorable
  3. bright
  4. encouraging
  5. optimistic
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
  • In addition, environmental conditions are quite favorable for intensification while Edouard remains over water.
    — Brandi D. Addison, USA Today, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Officials, however, said favorable weather in the coming days could help in the battle to control the blazes.
    — Iris Kwok, Los Angeles Times, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of favorable
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
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
  • Demographic experts are cautiously optimistic about the new scheme, which appears to offer more sustained and holistic support for families.
    — Angelica Ang, Fortune, 30 Aug. 2026
  • The 192-mile electric figure is reported as CLTC, which is China's relatively optimistic test cycle.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of optimistic

Browse Nearby Words

propitiatory
propitious
proponent
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Cite this Entry

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

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