Definition of propitiousnext

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
Adjective
  • Methane is widely regarded as one of the most promising fuels for reusable rockets and future interplanetary missions.
    Rainer Zitelmann, Fortune, 2 July 2026
  • But since train-and-pray programs are unlikely to close the construction talent gap, three other initiatives are more promising.
    Ryan Craig, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
Adjective
  • That combination of clear skies, dry air and terrain can produce dramatic overnight lows in the 20s and 30s — and in especially favorable setups, even colder readings in localized spots like the one near Kirk, Oregon.
    Brandi D. Addison, USA Today, 1 July 2026
  • Similarly, Sullivan and Hafley appear to have favorable view about Rodriguez’s ability to wear the green dot.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 1 July 2026
Adjective
  • Charlie Carballo Ed Sheeran, who's been rumored to perform at the wedding festivities, made his way to MSG wearing a bright blue suit alongside wife Cherry Seaborn.
    Bryan West, USA Today, 4 July 2026
  • Work with Your Design Style A color this bright and energetic couldn’t possibly be versatile, too, right?
    Patricia Shannon, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 July 2026
Adjective
  • That means encouraging activities that benefit from proximity, such as planning meetings, architecture discussions, design reviews and complex problem-solving.
    Nik Froehlich, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
  • Some encouraging signals suggest the will to close the funding gap may exist.
    Florencia Canelli, Scientific American, 1 July 2026
Adjective
  • And for the star pitcher’s part, there seems to be plenty to be optimistic about.
    Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026
  • Once optimistic about the future of life in America, the show now has a stronger desire to make change.
    Steven Vargas, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Propitious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/propitious. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.

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