SKIP TO CONTENT

propitious

/prəˈpɪʃəs/
IPA guide

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.

Definitions of propitious
  1. adjective
    presenting favorable circumstances; likely to result in or show signs of success
    propitious omens”
    propitious gales speeded us along”
    “a propitious alignment of planets for space exploration”
    synonyms:
    auspicious
    auguring favorable circumstances and good luck
    favorable, favourable, golden, lucky, prosperous
    presaging or likely to bring good luck
    gracious
    disposed to bestow favors
    favorable, favourable
    (of winds or weather) tending to promote or facilitate
    see moresee less
    antonyms:
    unpropitious
    not propitious
    ill, inauspicious, ominous
    presaging ill fortune
    thunderous
    extremely ominous
    unfavorable, unfavourable
    (of winds or weather) tending to hinder or oppose
Cite this entry
Style:
MLA
  • MLA
  • APA
  • Chicago

Copy citation
DISCLAIMER: These example sentences appear in various news sources and books to reflect the usage of the word ‘propitious'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Vocabulary.com or its editors. Send us feedback
Word Family