auspicious

adjective

ȯ-ˈspi-shəs How to pronounce auspicious (audio)
Definition of auspiciousnext
1
as in promising
having qualities which inspire hope told him she couldn't dance with him just then, but her auspicious smile encouraged him to ask again later

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in favorable
pointing toward a happy outcome began the season with an auspicious win against their strongest football rival

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

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

The words favorable and propitious are common synonyms of auspicious. While all three words mean "pointing toward a happy outcome," auspicious applies to something taken as a sign or omen promising success before or at the start of an event.

an auspicious beginning

In what contexts can favorable take the place of auspicious?

In some situations, the words favorable and auspicious are roughly equivalent. However, favorable implies that the persons involved are approving or helpful or that the circumstances are advantageous.

favorable weather conditions

When would propitious be a good substitute for auspicious?

The synonyms propitious and auspicious are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 auspicious Chicago, a city with an auspicious past and present of prestidigitation and legerdemain, has never before had a space for magic anything close to The Hand & The Eye. — Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 20 July 2026 The tournament hardly got off to an auspicious start for Asia, with both China and India yet again failing to qualify for world soccer’s biggest spectacle. — Simon Chadwick, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026 And thank you to reader Ron, a descendant of one of the paper’s founders, for the reminder of such an auspicious occasion (and Producer Nicole, a front page-finding magician). — Aj Willingham, AJC.com, 16 June 2026 Recent results are less auspicious. — Duncan Alexander, New York Times, 12 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for auspicious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for auspicious
  1. promising
  2. favorable
  3. bright
  4. encouraging
  5. optimistic
  6. propitious
Adjective
  • Why would a promising young researcher accept a faculty offer of $120,000 with uncertain employment prospects when a technology company or defense contractor offers $180,000 on the first day?
    — Francisco Ruiz, Chicago Tribune, 14 Aug. 2026
  • These businesses operate in promising markets, but their potential does not necessarily make Boeing their best long-term owner.
    — Alex Krutz, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of promising
Adjective
  • This year, however, the Supreme Court cleared the way for Alabama to use a map more favorable to Republicans, which eliminates one of Alabama's two majority-Black seats.
    — Caitlin Yilek, CBS News, 12 Aug. 2026
  • This year's display is particularly favorable because the shower peaks on the night of the new moon, leaving skies free from bright moonlight that can wash out fainter meteors.
    — Daisy Dobrijevic, Space.com, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of favorable
Adjective
  • After the bright lights of the Tour, Vollering returned to the countryside this week.
    — Jessica Hopkins, New York Times, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Aries March 21 – April 19 Your bright idea needs an audience and a little editing.
    — Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of bright
Adjective
  • Paul Taylor Sunderland Sunderland’s pre-season has gradually improved, as defeats to Liverpool and Leeds have given way to encouraging performances, and wins, against Wrexham and Lens.
    — Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2026
  • The story is less encouraging for those trying to break into the job market and for those who lost their jobs and are looking for new work.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of encouraging
Adjective
  • Masses will want to know well into early 2027 in what’s an optimistic start to Disney’s 2027 box office year.
    — Anthony D'Alessandro, Deadline, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Galinson is, however, optimistic that there is an appetite for positive change, at least in the third and fourth tiers.
    — Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of optimistic
Adjective
  • The charging boom proved particularly propitious in March, as the Iran War roiled oil markets, gas prices surged and Americans started searching for EVs en masse.
    — Bloomberg, Mercury News, 8 Apr. 2026
  • Interloom’s timing may be propitious.
    — Jeremy Kahn, Fortune, 23 Mar. 2026
Definition of propitious

Browse Nearby Words

auspices
auspicious
auspiciously
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Cite this Entry

“Auspicious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/auspicious. Accessed 16 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on auspicious

Nglish: Translation of auspicious for Spanish Speakers

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