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
  • While scientists caution that more research is needed, the findings are a promising step forward for treatment.
    Kayla Hayempour, NBC news, 19 Apr. 2026
  • Life of public service At 38 years old, Metayer had by all accounts a promising and bright future in public service.
    Angie DiMichele, Sun Sentinel, 17 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Depending on their state, residents can avoid state-level taxes by creating trusts in states with favorable trust income laws like Delaware.
    Hayley Cuccinello, CNBC, 16 Apr. 2026
  • The Wolverines are trending toward a favorable top seed in the CIF Southern Section Division 1 playoffs, which will consist of a new 16-team format highlighted by pool play instead of a traditional single-game elimination.
    Tarek Fattal, Daily News, 16 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Aged 33, the Belgian still has plenty of years ahead of him but in Friday night’s semi-final against PSG, Navarro showed the future is bright in that position for the Spanish club.
    Dan Sheldon, New York Times, 20 Apr. 2026
  • The verdant burst is always welcome after a dreary winter, and the bright, fresh flavors of spring vegetables are like a breath of fresh air on the table, too.
    Becky Krystal, Washington Post, 20 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The Road Ahead for the Grizzly Bear Cubs While the news is encouraging, wildlife officials emphasized that the challenges are far from over.
    Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 10 Apr. 2026
  • SpaceX valuation 'encouraging' watch now Choose CNBC as your preferred source on Google and never miss a moment from the most trusted name in business news.
    Lora Kolodny, CNBC, 10 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • And from his seat at the podium on Friday, the view for the Clippers next season and beyond was optimistic with draft capital, emerging young players and significant salary cap space.
    Janis Carr, Oc Register, 17 Apr. 2026
  • Markets are firmly optimistic and investors would hope the stock rally does not be derailed by geopolitics.
    Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 17 Apr. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

“Propitious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.grautoblog.com/thesaurus/propitious. Accessed 23 Apr. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on propitious

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster