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 The book has recently been reissued at what feels like a propitious moment, when modern treatments of Greek myth proliferate, many of them adapting stories about destiny and order for a chaotic and individualistic time. Rachel Vorona Cote, The Atlantic, 5 Jan. 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for propitious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for propitious
Adjective
  • For members of the state’s business community, that was a promising focus, one that closely aligned with their own goals.
    P.R. Lockhart, Hartford Courant, 17 May 2026
  • The three hitters who drove in runs that inning, Shohei Ohtani, Andy Pages and Kyle Tucker, had been trending upward at the plate of late, a promising sign for an offense overdue for a hot streak.
    Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 17 May 2026
Adjective
  • Some time later, a colleague convinced him to rein in his gland reductions, arguing that the glands could instead be moved into a more favorable position by adjusting the platysma using a specific technique.
    Jolene Edgar, Allure, 14 May 2026
  • The lawsuit argues that allowing such a transfer could create incentives for states to enrich a president in hopes of favorable federal treatment.
    Abby Dodge, CBS News, 14 May 2026
Adjective
  • Because a bright sky helps subdue Venus's glare, this is a good time to inspect the planet telescopically, though its gibbous disk remains rather small and approximately seven-eighths illuminated.
    Joe Rao, Space.com, 18 May 2026
  • The trick is not to chase every bright idea.
    Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 17 May 2026
Adjective
  • Whether this year is another blip or the start of at least a small rebuild is of course impossible to say yet, but the number of shows increasing (as did the number of pilots networks made) is an encouraging sign.
    Rick Porter, HollywoodReporter, 16 May 2026
  • As such, Google Project Zero is strongly encouraging vendors to improve their proactive software development practices to prevent these kinds of vulnerabilities from ever reaching end users.
    Davey Winder, Forbes.com, 16 May 2026
Adjective
  • Johnson’s Anaia is much sweeter, and though there’s some ferocity inside her too, the movie leaves her in a compassionate, optimistic place.
    Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 15 May 2026
  • Everyone on the Titan mission is, with good reason, more optimistic about meeting their own challenges.
    Sophie Brookover, Vulture, 15 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Propitious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/propitious. Accessed 21 May. 2026.

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