Auspicious

Giving credible signs that a favorable result is likely.

Reach for it when marking a beginning or circumstance that encourages confidence

Clear skies and a full crew made an auspicious start to the expedition.

• everyday

  hopeful

  positive expectation is the central feeling

  not when Hopeful can rest on desire alone, whereas auspicious points to a sign.

• everyday

  promising

  early evidence supports hope for later success

  not when Promising fits a person or project, while auspicious often marks a moment or sign.

• warm

  encouraging

  progress gives people a reason to continue

  not when Encouraging describes a response to evidence, not necessarily the conditions themselves.

• warm

  fortunate

  good luck shaped the circumstance

  not when Fortunate names luck in the present, not a sign pointing toward future success.

• professional

  favorable

  conditions objectively support the desired result

  not when Favorable is measured and lacks auspicious's sense of a meaningful beginning.

• formal

  opportune

  the timing is particularly suitable

  not when An opportune moment can be useful without predicting a good outcome.

• literary

  propitious

  circumstances seem exceptionally well timed

  not when Propitious is rarer and sounds affected in ordinary business writing.

• inauspicious
• ominous
• unpromising

• auspicious start

  The first clean test gave the project an auspicious start.

• auspicious occasion

  The library opening was an auspicious occasion for the neighborhood.

• auspicious sign

  The return of nesting birds was an auspicious sign for the restored marsh.