1
as in loved
granted special treatment or attention
the youngest child was also the most favored—much to the envy of his siblings
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in selected
singled out from a number or group as more to one's liking
for a favored few, the restaurant always has a table available, no matter how busy it is
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in obliged
to do a service or favor for
although she was at the party as a guest, the singer favored us with a song
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in accepted
to have a favorable opinion of
if this measure will reduce our property taxes, then I favor it
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in preferred
to show partiality toward
older moviegoers tend to favor films that have certain extras—like a plot and developed characters
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in gifted
to furnish freely or naturally with some power, quality, or attribute
favored with good looks
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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show current usage.
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Recent Examples of favored
Eben Novy-Williams, Sportico.com, 5 Dec. 2025
Breaking waves of 13 to 18 feet with the highest waves up to 23 feet in favored locations are expected.
—Ca Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 13 Nov. 2025
Andrea Guzmán, Austin American Statesman, 7 Feb. 2026
Either Mejia or Malinowski will be favored to beat Republican Randolph Township Councilman Joe Hathaway — who won unchallenged in a GOP primary — in an April 16 special general election to fill the seat for the rest of the term.
—Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 6 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for favored
Adjective
Also, host nations automatically receive favored status that helps them with group selection.
—Eben Novy-Williams, Sportico.com, 5 Dec. 2025
Breaking waves of 13 to 18 feet with the highest waves up to 23 feet in favored locations are expected.
—Ca Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 13 Nov. 2025
Verb
The style is not highly favored by American consumers, who are drawn to large SUVs for personal safety and four-door vehicles for carrying people and cargo.
—Andrea Guzmán, Austin American Statesman, 7 Feb. 2026
Either Mejia or Malinowski will be favored to beat Republican Randolph Township Councilman Joe Hathaway — who won unchallenged in a GOP primary — in an April 16 special general election to fill the seat for the rest of the term.
—Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 6 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for favored
Recent Examples of Synonyms for favored
Adjective
-
This Valentine’s Day, Ben Smith and Kelly Dennis will profess their love for each other — and New York City — in front of loved ones, strangers and possibly Batman.—
Andrea Sachs,
Washington Post,
14 Feb. 2026
-
Gavern said the online ICE detainee locator, which family members use to find loved ones, often doesn’t update when transfers occur.—
Ben Fenwick,
Oklahoma Watch,
13 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
The gist, however, seems to be that extra-terrestrials make contact with a selected few, before promising to go public to the entire world — good luck dealing with the ramifications of that one, human race!—
Richard Edwards,
Space.com,
31 Dec. 2025
-
The selected cohort—Diamond Batiste, Ciara Boniface, Jeremy Hsing, Alejandra López and Brittany Alexia Young—were chosen from nearly 1,000 submissions, placing them at the forefront of a new chapter in cinematic storytelling.—
Okla Jones,
Essence,
23 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
James obliged, but the Heat still capitalized on the moment by selling T-shirts of him in the original black mask.—
Ian Servantes,
Footwear News,
9 Feb. 2026
-
Ice princesses are obliged to be polite and palatable at all times, often at the expense of their humanity.—
Jasmine Wynn,
Time,
9 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Conrad wasn’t sure how football fans would react but said most people eagerly accepted a towel.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
9 Feb. 2026
-
If your complaint is accepted by the authority, an investigator will determine whether any laws, policies or procedures were broken by officers.—
Matthew Cupelli,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
9 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Flick was wary of the youngster experiencing a setback, given recent cases involving other young players and preferred to bring him back gradually.—
Laia Cervelló Herrero,
New York Times,
9 Feb. 2026
-
But former Test Kitchen Professional Pam Lolley preferred using Ghirardelli Melting Wafers, which melt into a glossy, smooth consistency right in the microwave.—
Lisa Cericola,
Southern Living,
9 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Soon thereafter, a gear fishing pal of yours gifted you an old, unused fly rod, and that totally grabs a hold of you and completely directs the rest of your life.—
Outside Online,
Outside Online,
11 Feb. 2026
-
Over the years, cricketers were gifted all kinds of headwear, from a straw hat to a green felt, feathered Tyrolean hat.—
Juliana Kim,
NPR,
11 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Candyland, after all, is strange — inspiring, cherished and definitely strange.—
Christopher Borrelli,
Chicago Tribune,
6 Feb. 2026
-
Over 60 members attended the champagne social, which has become a cherished tradition marking the beginning of the final diligence review process.—
News Release,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
5 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Fan favorite and three-time World Series champion, Kiké Hernandez became a free agent after last season and has not signed a new contract.—
Bill Plunkett,
Oc Register,
11 Feb. 2026
-
Borrowing elements from Adidas’ fan-favorite Gazelle style, this version ups the comfort level with a layered gumsole for double the shock absorption.—
Michelle Baricevic,
Travel + Leisure,
11 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Favored.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/favored. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.
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