favorite 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of favoritenext
1
as in loved
granted special treatment or attention that teacher claims not to have any favorite students, although many in the class would disagree

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in preferred
singled out from a number or group as more to one's liking mint chocolate chip is my favorite flavor of ice cream

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in popular
enjoying widespread favor or approval a radio station that mostly plays favorite songs from the 1960s and 1970s

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

favorite

2 of 2

noun

ˈfā-v(ə-)rət How to pronounce favorite (audio)
as in darling
a person or thing that is preferred over others the youngest child was always Mother's favorite

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 favorite
Adjective
His favorite scent is actually the Eucalyptus Mint body wash and lotion. — Tiana Randall, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026 That respectful environment made the cemetery one of Aileen Galvan’s favorite stops on her post-graduation trip to the nation’s capital. — Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 30 June 2026
Noun
The overwhelming favorite made the most of the first mountain stage to post his 22nd career stage win at cycling's biggest race and seize the race leader's jersey on Monday. — ABC News, 6 July 2026 Spain’s Mikel Oyarzabal and Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo are the favorites to score in the match at +138. — Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for favorite
Recent Examples of Synonyms for favorite
  1. loved
  2. preferred
  3. popular
  4. darling
  5. beloved
  6. selected
  7. fashionable
  8. preference
Adjective
  • Along with the cooling centers, pools and splash pads will also be available, and well-being checks for friends and loved ones are available through 311.
    — Charlie De Mar, CBS News, 29 June 2026
  • When a fatal traffic collision happens in Tarrant County, families don’t just lose a loved one.
    — William Jones, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 June 2026
Definition of loved
Adjective
  • Meline Rosales, Mike Winters Choose CNBC as your preferred source on Google and never miss a moment from the most trusted name in business news.
    — Leonie Kidd, CNBC, 6 July 2026
  • And unlike conventional transmissions with a finite number of gears, an eCVT can move through a practically infinite number of gear ratios over a specified range based on your preferred cadence.
    — Abhimanyu Ghoshal, New Atlas, 5 July 2026
Definition of preferred
Adjective
  • The Dyl, made with Bayab gin, passionfruit and dill, is named after the owner’s daughter and has become a popular option on the menu.
    — Blair Crosby, AJC.com, 5 July 2026
  • One popular saying suggests a knot tied on a rainy day is harder to untie.
    — Bryan West, USA Today, 4 July 2026
Definition of popular
Noun
  • South Korea’s high-flying Kospi stock index, which is dominated by AI darlings SK Hynix, and Samsung, set a new record a few weeks ago only to suffer its fifth worst daily plunge ever days later.
    — Jason Ma, Fortune, 5 July 2026
  • All eyes will be on Messi again as Argentina aims to knock off the tournament darling Cape Verde and advance to the Round of 16.
    — Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 4 July 2026
Definition of darling
Adjective
  • For something slower and more sceney, Bardot-era Le Club 55 remains one of the most beloved lunches on the peninsula and is often visited by the Hollywood crowd.
    — Karli Poliziani, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 July 2026
  • Anixter, Wrigleyville’s beloved ‘Pink Hat Guy,’ died Tuesday night from complications with surgery, according to his family.
    — Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026
Definition of beloved
Adjective
  • Some cool features include a kill switch that automatically disconnects you from the internet if the VPN connection fails, as well as split tunneling that allows selected apps to use the VPN connection while others transmit data in clear text.
    — K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 25 June 2026
  • These pre-selected fighter pilots and their families moved into their apartments during the summer of 1960 after residing at the Frunze Central Airfield in Moscow.
    — Jeff Spry, Space.com, 27 May 2026
Definition of selected
Adjective
  • Queen was known for her great eye and her ability to discern what was original and fashionable.
    — Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 6 July 2026
  • One of them, the Piscine Deligny, became one of the city’s most fashionable spots, eventually hosting swimming events for the 1900 Paris Olympics.
    — Camille Knight, CNN Money, 4 July 2026
Definition of fashionable
Noun
  • These distinct sauce styles are all rooted in traditions that developed in the coastal South, influenced by shifting populations, regional preferences, and supply chains.
    — Amethyst Ganaway, Bon Appetit Magazine, 1 July 2026
  • As carbuyers' preferences have shifted, pricier vehicles have become the norm at dealerships, leaving budget-conscious shoppers with fewer affordable models to choose from.
    — Mike Winters, CNBC, 1 July 2026
Definition of preference

Browse Nearby Words

favoring
favorite
favorites
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Favorite.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/favorite. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on favorite

Nglish: Translation of favorite for Spanish Speakers

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