propitious
Americanadjective
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presenting favorable conditions; favorable.
propitious weather.
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indicative of favor; auspicious.
propitious omens.
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favorably inclined; disposed to bestow favors or forgive.
propitious gods.
adjective
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favourable; auguring well
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gracious or favourably inclined
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of propitious
1400–50; late Middle English propicius < Latin propitius favorably inclined, propitious, probably equivalent to pro- pro- 1 + -pit-, combining form of petere to head for, resort to, solicit + -ius adj. suffix; see -ous
Explanation
When the timing of something is propitious, it's likely to turn out well. A propitious time for taking a big test is when you've studied hard and had a good night's sleep. If you believe in astrology, you might check your horoscope to settle on a propitious day for your wedding. A propitious moment to ask your parents about that spring break trip to Cancun might be when you've just unveiled your straight-A report card.
Vocabulary lists containing propitious
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The timing was propitious for those who bought as this transition from a high interest rate regime was occurring.
From BBC • May 17, 2026
Especially propitious for future U.S. prosperity is that private payrolls are rising while another category of labor continues to fall, as BLS notes:
From The Wall Street Journal • May 8, 2026
But those who are hoping for such a propitious outcome will be disappointed.
From Barron's • Nov. 26, 2025
A dozen or so arrived at Saunders’ office — at a propitious time, for Luther Tibbets had just written, asking for suggestions for a crop that would grow in Riverside’s climate.
From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 22, 2024
Paul’s idea for a Washington march came at the most propitious of times.
From "1919 The Year That Changed America" by Martin W. Sandler
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
