1
as in loved
granted special treatment or attention that teacher claims not to have any favorite students, although many in the class would disagree
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in preferred
singled out from a number or group as more to one's liking mint chocolate chip is my favorite flavor of ice cream
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in popular
enjoying widespread favor or approval a radio station that mostly plays favorite songs from the 1960s and 1970s
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in darling
a person or thing that is preferred over others the youngest child was always Mother's favorite
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 favorite
Los Angeles Times, 29 Apr. 2026 Meeting up with my friends and fiancé at a local dive bar in Washington, DC, answering progressively trickier questions about geography, science, history, politics and my favorite, pop culture – what wasn't there to like? —David Oliver, USA Today, 29 Apr. 2026
Molly Burford, Southern Living, 28 Apr. 2026 Poorna Jagannathan, whose turn as the formidable crime-boss auntie Lucky has been a fan favorite, will be the lone supporting comedy actress submission. —Clayton Davis, Variety, 27 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for favorite
Adjective
But this year, one of the best local favorite underground comedy shows is pulling up to the legendary diner for a traveling show that’s known for creating a space to see some of your favorite rising social media comedians IRL and give them an opportunity to perform for a live audience. —Los Angeles Times, 29 Apr. 2026 Meeting up with my friends and fiancé at a local dive bar in Washington, DC, answering progressively trickier questions about geography, science, history, politics and my favorite, pop culture – what wasn't there to like? —David Oliver, USA Today, 29 Apr. 2026
Noun
Just in time for barbecue season, Shake Shack is bringing back some fan favorites. —Molly Burford, Southern Living, 28 Apr. 2026 Poorna Jagannathan, whose turn as the formidable crime-boss auntie Lucky has been a fan favorite, will be the lone supporting comedy actress submission. —Clayton Davis, Variety, 27 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for favorite
Recent Examples of Synonyms for favorite
Adjective
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Our thoughts and prayers are with Jack’s family and loved ones during this difficult time.— Eleanor Nash Updated May 1, Kansas City Star, 1 May 2026
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Skeletal remains are air-dried, processed and returned to loved ones as powder in an urn or shaped as stones.— ABC News, ABC News, 1 May 2026
Adjective
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Additionally, consumer awareness of microplastic pollution is higher than brands realize, raising the stakes for fiber content disclosure, preferred fiber programs, and claims substantiation across the supply chain.— Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 27 Apr. 2026
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Nonopioid therapies are preferred and often as effective as opioids for chronic pain, according to the Centers for Disease Control’s opioid prescribing guidelines.— Amber Gaudet, Charlotte Observer, 27 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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One person notably not on that list is Heastie, who is reportedly working to derail the popular bill behind the scenes even as most of his colleagues seem to understand its necessity.— New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 26 Apr. 2026
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Among the most popular citrus fruits are oranges and mandarins, which often appear side by side in grocery stores and lunchboxes alike.— Daryl Austin, USA Today, 26 Apr. 2026
Noun
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This darling wooden fence is perfect for small spaces.— Sarah Lyon, The Spruce, 28 Apr. 2026
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Meanwhile, Anthropic is emerging as another major market darling, particularly among institutional investors.— Alexa LoMonaco, CNBC, 27 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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That looks like a straight between the subscribers and young Wilfred, who was left cursing his beloved Palace for conceding that stoppage-time goal at Anfield, denying him a precious four-pointer.— Oliver Kay, New York Times, 1 May 2026
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And her performance here feels more like an evolution of a beloved character rather than empty fan service.— Chris Feil, Vulture, 1 May 2026
Adjective
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The selected artist will be notified by early October.— News Release, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Mar. 2026
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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
Adjective
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Massive modern skyscrapers dominate the horizon, complemented by fashionable retail outlets.— Arthur I. Cyr, Chicago Tribune, 28 Apr. 2026
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From its round neck and hem to its striped fabric, there are a few things that elevate this Automet top from a basic tee to a fashionable find.— Jasmine Gomez, Travel + Leisure, 28 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Naming one clear boundary or preference shifts the tone.— Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 1 May 2026
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The format varies widely depending on access and preference.— Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 30 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Favorite.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.grautoblog.com/thesaurus/favorite. Accessed 3 May. 2026.
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