1. (noun)front-runner, favorite, favourite a competitor thought likely to win
2. (noun)darling, favorite, favourite, pet, dearie, deary, ducky a special loved one
3. (adj)favorite, favourite something regarded with special favor or liking "that book is one of my favorites"
4. (adj)favorite, favourite appealing to the general public "a favorite tourist attraction"
5. (adj)favored, favorite(a), favourite(a), best-loved, pet, preferred, preferent preferred above all others and treated with partiality "the favored child"