favorable
adjective
fa·vor·able
ˈfÄ-v(É™-)rÉ™-bÉ™l 
ˈfÄ-vÉ™r-bÉ™l
1
b
: expressing approval : commendatory
The movie received a favorable review.
c
: giving a result that is in one's favor
a favorable comparison
d
: affirmative
a favorable reply
2
: winning approval : pleasing
a favorable impression
3
a
: tending to promote or facilitate : advantageous
a favorable wind
b
: marked by success
a favorable demonstration of a new invention
favorableness
noun
Examples of favorable in a Sentence
The new play got many favorable reviews.
He was given a favorable recommendation.
Early test results were favorable.
Recent Examples on the Web
Others will be saddled with private debt that lacks the protections and favorable borrowing terms of federal loans.
—
Kaelyn Lara, The Conversation, 25 Mar. 2026
With a relatively favorable draw in the Midwest Regional, another win or two feels like a fair expectation.
—Justin Williams, New York Times, 25 Mar. 2026
The most favorable conditions are forecast across northern Illinois, northern Indiana, southern Michigan and northwest Ohio — including Chicago; Detroit; Indianapolis; Columbus, Ohio; and Cleveland.
—Brandi D. Addison, USA Today, 25 Mar. 2026
Exercising employee stock options strategically Depending on your employer and the outlook for your company, a downturn in the market can also provide an opportunity to exercise employee stock options at a more favorable price point and a lower tax cost.
—Darla Mercado, Cfp®, CNBC, 24 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for favorable
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Kaelyn Lara, The Conversation, 25 Mar. 2026
With a relatively favorable draw in the Midwest Regional, another win or two feels like a fair expectation.
—Justin Williams, New York Times, 25 Mar. 2026
The most favorable conditions are forecast across northern Illinois, northern Indiana, southern Michigan and northwest Ohio — including Chicago; Detroit; Indianapolis; Columbus, Ohio; and Cleveland.
—Brandi D. Addison, USA Today, 25 Mar. 2026
Exercising employee stock options strategically Depending on your employer and the outlook for your company, a downturn in the market can also provide an opportunity to exercise employee stock options at a more favorable price point and a lower tax cost.
—Darla Mercado, Cfp®, CNBC, 24 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for favorable
Cite this Entry
“Favorable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/favorable. Accessed 27 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
favorable
adjective
fa·vor·able
ˈfÄv-(É™-)rÉ™-bÉ™l
ˈfÄ-vÉ™r-bÉ™l
1
: showing favor : approving
a favorable reply
2
: promising, advantageous
favorable weather for the fair
favorableness
noun
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