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.
Comcast’s two-step to restore luster to the NBC News brand is similarly propitious.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 30, 2026
But those who are hoping for such a propitious outcome will be disappointed.
From Barron's ● Nov. 26, 2025
He warned the UK could "be forced to revoke the concession in the least propitious of circumstances".
From BBC ● Dec. 30, 2024
For a grateful Mr. Zelensky, the timing was propitious.
From New York Times ● Apr. 22, 2024
He introduces himself as Dr. Scheinberg and uses the word propitious.
From "I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter" by Erika L. Sánchez
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.
