Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary
favorite (noun)1.
one that is treated or regarded with special or liking - favor , especially a person who is specially loved, trusted, or provided with by someone of high rank or authority - favors
2.
a competitor judged most likely to win
constituting a favorite , especially markedly popular
Merriam-Webster Online Thesaurus
favorite (adjective)1.
granted special treatment or attention
SYNONIMS:
beloved, cherished, dear, fair-haired, favored, favorite, fond, loved, pet, precious, special, sweet, white-headedRELATED WORDS:
admired, adored, appreciated, esteemed, relished, revered; prized, treasured; preferredNEAR ANTONYMS:
abhorred, abominated, despised, detested, disdained, disfavored, disliked, execrated, hated, loathed, unfavorite; abandoned, forgotten, ignored; alienated, estranged2.
singled out from a number or group as more to one's liking
SYNONIMS:
cherry-picked, choice, chosen, elect, favored, favorite, first-line, handpicked, picked, preferred, selectedRELATED WORDS:
fashionable; exclusive; culled, picked over, screened, weeded (out), winnowed (out)NEAR ANTONYMS:
average, common, commonplace, ordinary, run-of-the-mill3.
enjoying widespread favor or approval
SYNONIMS:
big, crowd-pleasing, du jour, faddish, faddy, fashionable, favorite, happening, hot, in, large, modish, pop, popularized, red-hot, vogue, voguishRELATED WORDS:
semipopular; favorite, preferred, selected; desirable, liked, wanted; celebrated, famed, famous, noted, notorious, prominent, renowned, well-known; fabled, fabulous, legendary; leading, notable, outstanding, prominent, remarkable; important, significantNEAR ANTONYMS:
washed-up; despised, detested, disliked, hated, rejected; insignificant, unimportant; indistinguished, unexceptional; anonymous, nameless, obscure, unknown; inconspicuousa person or thing that is preferred over others
SYNONIMS:
darling, fave, minion, pet, preference, speedRELATED WORDS:
beloved, dear, sweetheart; jewel, prize, treasureNEAR ANTONYMS:
abomination, anathema, bête noire, bugbear