favorable
12 synonyms and 8 antonyms for favorable, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adjective — Expressing approval; positive about someone or something.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. adjective
Expressing approval; positive about someone or something.
“The book received favorable reviews in the trade press.”
Opposites
2. adjective
Helpful to a person's plans or interests; giving an advantage.
“We got a favorable exchange rate on the day.”
Opposites
How to use favorable
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Neutral; used across business, journalism, law and everyday speech.
Etymology
Via Old French from Latin favorabilis, from favor 'goodwill'; the American spelling of favourable.
Full origin of favorable →Frequently asked questions
Is it favorable or favourable?
Both are the same word: favorable is the American spelling and favourable the British, Irish, Australian and Canadian one. Keep whichever you use consistent with your other -or/-our words, such as color and colour.
What is the difference between favorable and favorite?
Favorable describes a positive attitude or a helpful set of conditions — a favorable review, a favorable wind. Favorite is a noun or adjective naming the thing you like best, or the competitor most expected to win.