liked, best-liked, beloved, favored, preferred, especial, personal, intimate, dear to one's heart, especially liked, to one's taste, to one's liking, choice, pet, desired, wished-for, adored, chosen, ideal, popular, fair-haired*; see also beloved.

Antonyms unpopular*, unwanted*, unwelcome.

darling, pet, idol, ideal, preference, pick, favored one, adored one, beloved one, mistress, love, minion, paramour, pampered darling, favorite son, spoiled child, enfant gÂté (French), favorite child, one in a favored position, one having the odds in his or her favor, fair-haired boy or girl*, a favorite two to one or three to one, etc., teacher's pet*, odds-on favorite*, apple of one's eye*.