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 most propitious of these days occur in cycles of 12 years during a festival called the Maha Kumbh Mela, or pitcher festival. Fox News, 13 Jan. 2025 Once again, these were two propitious investments ahead of a massive surge in shale oil and gas production across the U.S. that made the U.S. self-sufficient in oil and gas in 2020, the first time since 1947. Ian Dexter Palmer, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024 The essence of modern economic development is the continuing augmentation of human potential and a propitious business climate, framed by policies and institutions that help unlock the value in human beings. Nicholas Eberstadt, Foreign Affairs, 10 Oct. 2024 The best Spurs coverage in Alamo City, delivered to your inbox The player who had posted such a propitious rookie season by simply playing on instinct looked lost. Jeff McDonald, San Antonio Express-News, 2 Oct. 2024 See All Example Sentences for propitious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for propitious
Adjective
  • In Atlanta, the Georgia product could start next to Jessie Bates III, giving the Falcons one of the most promising safety duos in the league.
    David Faris, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Apr. 2025
  • Farther away from China lies an even more promising strategic opportunity.
    Linggong Kong, The Conversation, 11 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Two women in the crowd sporting red Trump caps appeared to be outnumbered by audience members who took a more favorable stance toward Casten and the Democrats.
    Jeremy Gorner, Chicago Tribune, 14 Apr. 2025
  • But Apple will still incur additional costs from tariffs on India until that country tries to negotiate a more favorable trade deal.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 11 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • In the image, the girl group smiled while on a beach at night, as a bright, full moon could be seen in the sky behind them.
    Nicholas Rice, People.com, 14 Apr. 2025
  • An off-white maxi dress covered in black poppies, their graphic petals bloomed open and surrounded by pops of bright red berries.
    Susannah Cahalan, Vogue, 14 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Despite their life-altering, Chelsea provided an encouraging update just before the start of the 2025 MLB season this week, sharing that Max has seen incredible recovery in the nine months since he was first diagnosed.
    Paulina Dedaj, FOXNews.com, 28 Mar. 2025
  • But what was encouraging about the Sabres’ win is that a few young players who could be important next season stepped up.
    Matthew Fairburn, New York Times, 28 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Choosing to remain optimistic about the value of individual contributions is not naïve, but a deliberate act of defiance.
    Lauren Stienstra, Time, 17 Apr. 2025
  • Poston is optimistic about the bill going into the House and said there’s an opportunity to inform lawmakers on how big of an impact this package will have on Texas.
    Brayden Garcia, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Propitious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/propitious. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.

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