AUSPICIOUS Synonyms: 95 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'auspicious' different from other adjectives like it?

The words favorable and propitious are common synonyms of auspicious . While all three words mean "pointing toward a happy outcome," auspicious applies to something taken as a sign or omen promising success before or at the start of an event. // an auspicious beginning

Q: In what contexts can 'favorable' take the place of 'auspicious'?

In some situations, the words favorable and auspicious are roughly equivalent. However, favorable implies that the persons involved are approving or helpful or that the circumstances are advantageous. // favorable weather conditions

Q: When would 'propitious' be a good substitute for 'auspicious'?

The synonyms propitious and auspicious are sometimes interchangeable, but propitious may also apply to beginnings but often implies a continuing favorable condition. // a propitious time for starting a business

auspicious

adjective

ȯ-ˈspi-shəs

Definition of auspicious next

as in promising

having qualities which inspire hope told him she couldn't dance with him just then, but her auspicious smile encouraged him to ask again later

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in favorable

pointing toward a happy outcome began the season with an auspicious win against their strongest football rival

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word auspicious different from other adjectives like it?

The words favorable and propitious are common synonyms of auspicious. While all three words mean "pointing toward a happy outcome," auspicious applies to something taken as a sign or omen promising success before or at the start of an event.

an auspicious beginning

In what contexts can favorable take the place of auspicious?

In some situations, the words favorable and auspicious are roughly equivalent. However, favorable implies that the persons involved are approving or helpful or that the circumstances are advantageous.

favorable weather conditions

When would propitious be a good substitute for auspicious?

The synonyms propitious and auspicious are sometimes interchangeable, but propitious may also apply to beginnings but often implies a continuing favorable condition.

a propitious time for starting a business

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 auspicious There was also an increase in marriages in 2023 and 2024, the auspicious Year of the Dragon. —

Beatrice Nolan, Fortune Asia, 17 Jan. 2025 It is regarded as a significant and auspicious day for Hindus due to a rare alignment of celestial bodies after 144 years. —

Jon Haworth, ABC News, 29 Jan. 2025 This brand narrative, rooted in humanistic care, not only conveys a positive outlook on life but also fosters a deeper emotional connection between the brand and its audience — especially during this auspicious New Year period. —

WWD, 29 Jan. 2025 No, not the most auspicious of starts, with three fouls in the opening 1:58, but still an acknowledgement by coach Erik Spoelstra of the possibilities of something more palatable in a wing rotation that has seen Jaime Jaquez Jr. regress and Terry Rozier disappear. —

Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 24 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for auspicious

Recent Examples of Synonyms for auspicious

Adjective

This year marks the 12th consecutive partnership between the Black List and Elwes to support a promising writer with independent sensibilities with in-person mentorship and exposure to the indie film world.

— Matt Grobar, Deadline, 11 Feb. 2025
The co-main event will be a women's strawweight title bout between champion Zhang Weili (25-3-0) and American challenger Tatiana Suarez (11-0-0), who remains undefeated so far in her promising career.

— Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 9 Feb. 2025