favourite

firm, great, huge, particular, special, very

She has always been a firm favourite with the children at the school.

all-time, established, old, perennial, traditional

My grandmother's perennial favourite dessert is chocolate cake with vanilla ice cream.

choose

Most children choose their favourite cartoon character and want to dress up as them.

~ for

That Italian restaurant has been a favourite for our group of friends for many years.

~ among

Pizza is a favourite among children all over the world.

~ with

Pizza is always a favourite with children at birthday parties.

clear, firm, hot, odds-on, overwhelming, red-hot

The home team are clear favourites to win the championship this year.

even money

My brother's team is the even money favourite to win the championship this year.

2?1, etc.

My brother's favourite team won the championship last weekend.

look, start (as)

The home team started as firm favourites but lost the match surprisingly.

~ for

That restaurant has become my favourite for trying new Italian dishes.

favourite to win

The young tennis player is considered the favourite to win the championship this year.