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

Relevance

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 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 Finally, the geopolitical environment is particularly propitious for North Korean missile tests. — Sue Mi Terry, Foreign Affairs, 24 Mar. 2022 See All Example Sentences for propitious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for propitious
  1. promising
  2. favorable
  3. bright
  4. encouraging
  5. optimistic
Adjective
  • Explainability is the bridge between a promising pilot and real production.
    — Rick Morris, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026
  • One promising way forward is for cities and counties to invest in community hubs, such as public libraries, or create new gathering spaces across communities.
    — Fiona Doherty, The Conversation, 5 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
  • For example, when light bends around a sharp obstacle or boundary, such as a knife edge, the waves bend and interfere with one another to create bands of dark and bright light.
    — Katie Hunt, CNN Money, 8 Aug. 2026
  • While The Row’s version is sold out in classic shades like black and cream, Quince just dropped fresh summer and early fall colors, including ivory, bright red, and tea green.
    — Jacqueline Tempera, PEOPLE, 8 Aug. 2026
Definition of bright
Adjective
  • Since an encouraging rookie season, Banks’ career has gone in the tank.
    — Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 6 Aug. 2026
  • The study suggests that developmental feedback isn't simply encouraging.
    — Paula Ferrada, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of encouraging
Adjective
  • Peridot acts as a buffer for Virgos, helping to soften their tendency for self-criticism and encouraging a more optimistic outlook.
    — Kelsey Stiegman, InStyle, 7 Aug. 2026
  • But optimistic lenses might cite the relative improvement by arguing that gap has shrunk when compared to the roughly $26,100 gap a year ago, and nearly $28,900 two years ago.
    — Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 7 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 13 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of propitious for Spanish Speakers

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