favorable

adjective

fa·​vor·​able ˈfā-v(ə-)rə-bəl How to pronounce favorable (audio)
ˈfā-vər-bəl
Synonyms of favorable
1
a
: disposed to favor : partial
taking a favorable attitude toward our request
b
: expressing approval : commendatory
The movie received a favorable review.
c
: giving a result that is in one's favor
a favorable comparison
d
: affirmative
a favorable reply
2
: winning approval : pleasing
a favorable impression
3
a
: tending to promote or facilitate : advantageous
a favorable wind
b
: marked by success
a favorable demonstration of a new invention
favorability
ˌfā-v(ə-)rə-ˈbi-lə-tē How to pronounce favorable (audio)
ˌfā-vər-
noun
favorableness noun
favorably
ˈfā-v(ə-)rə-blē How to pronounce favorable (audio)
ˈfā-vər-blē
adverb

Synonyms of favorable

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favorable, auspicious, propitious 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

auspicious applies to something taken as a sign or omen promising success before or at the start of an event.

an auspicious beginning

propitious may also apply to beginnings but often implies a continuing favorable condition.

a propitious time for starting a business

Examples of favorable in a Sentence

The new play got many favorable reviews. He was given a favorable recommendation. Early test results were favorable.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Despite having all those qualities, the biggest reason Argentina could be set up to defend its title is a favorable draw to the semifinals. — Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 June 2026 Because these rules are highly technical, mistakes can eliminate the opportunity for favorable tax treatment. — David Kudla, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026 While it’s still viewed in corporate circles as much more favorable to mergers than the Biden administration, winning regulatory approval also has come with a cost. — Ted Johnson, Deadline, 29 June 2026 Strong recent sales, favorable group life underwriting, and rising equity markets are boosting alternative investments. — Michael Khouw, CNBC, 29 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for favorable

Word History

Etymology

see favor entry 1

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of favorable was in the 14th century

Rhymes for favorable

See All Rhymes for favorable

Browse Nearby Words

favor
favorable
favorableness
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Favorable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/favorable. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

favorable

adjective
fa·​vor·​able ˈfāv-(ə-)rə-bəl How to pronounce favorable (audio)
ˈfā-vər-bəl
1
: showing favor : approving
a favorable reply
2
: promising, advantageous
favorable weather for the fair
favorableness noun
favorably
-blē How to pronounce favorable (audio)
adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on favorable

Nglish: Translation of favorable for Spanish Speakers

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