a person or thing regarded with special favor or preference

That song is an old favorite of mine.

Sports . a competitor considered likely to win.

a person or thing popular with the public.

a person treated with special or undue favor by a king, official, etc.

favorites at the court.

regarded with particular favor or preference

a favorite child.

adjective

disliked , hated , loathed

noun

hate , peeve

adjective

admired , adored , beloved , best-loved , cherished , choice , darling , dear , dearest , desired , especial , esteemed , favored , intimate , liked , main , number one , personal , pet * , pleasant , popular , precious , prized , revered , sweetheart * , treasured , wished-for , preferred , well-liked , fair-haired , pet

noun

apple of eye , beloved , chalk * , choice , darling , dear , fave , front-runner , ideal , idol , love , main , minion , number one , paramour , pet * , pick , preference , shoo-in , teacher’s pet , pet , shoo-in* , adored , popular , special , treasured