1
as in to like
to show partiality toward
I generally prefer chocolate ice cream over vanilla
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to choose
to decide to accept (someone or something) from a group of possibilities
most buyers of that vehicle have preferred the model with four-wheel drive
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of prefer
For those who prefer fresh vegetables, prices are similar or slightly higher than frozen vegetables.
—
Betty Lin-Fisher, USA Today, 6 Nov. 2025
But many perennials also do well when planted in the fall or even prefer this time of year.
—Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Nov. 2025
For those who prefer not to walk for hours under the imposing Brazilian sun, renting a car may prove to be the most comfortable method of touring the city.
—Greyson Ferguson, Travel + Leisure, 5 Nov. 2025
The drug is intended for people who can’t take or prefer to avoid hormone replacement therapy for menopause symptoms.
—Fran Kritz, Verywell Health, 5 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for prefer
Betty Lin-Fisher, USA Today, 6 Nov. 2025
But many perennials also do well when planted in the fall or even prefer this time of year.
—Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Nov. 2025
For those who prefer not to walk for hours under the imposing Brazilian sun, renting a car may prove to be the most comfortable method of touring the city.
—Greyson Ferguson, Travel + Leisure, 5 Nov. 2025
The drug is intended for people who can’t take or prefer to avoid hormone replacement therapy for menopause symptoms.
—Fran Kritz, Verywell Health, 5 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for prefer
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prefer
Verb
-
And when diners nearby half-turned their heads to check if the foreigner liked it, Chen saw my expression of delight.—
Mike Valerio,
CNN Money,
8 Nov. 2025
-
Did all the Luki members immediately like the idea of a film about or what was their reaction?—
Georg Szalai,
HollywoodReporter,
8 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
Last week, four Republic of Ireland internationals playing in the Women’s Super League in England, Katie McCabe (Arsenal), Caitlin Hayes (Brighton & Hove Albion), Abbie Larkin (Crystal Palace) and Hayley Nolan (London City Lionesses), chose not to have the poppy on their team shirts.—
Eduardo Tansley,
New York Times,
8 Nov. 2025
-
The Dolphins chose not to spend the money (or match or surpass other teams’ offers) on several solid contributors after their rookie contracts ended.—
Barry Jackson,
Miami Herald,
7 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
If this group of hardened degenerates was able to enjoy the action at this level, who, exactly, are the spiritual victims of sports betting?—
Jay Caspian Kang,
New Yorker,
7 Nov. 2025
-
This is evident in their signature programs, such as those that recognize excellence among teachers, coaches, and healthcare workers, as well as initiatives that bring the community together to enjoy great local restaurants on the firm’s tab.—
William Jones,
USA Today,
7 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
When camping in an open environment, select a campsite in a valley, ravine, or low region.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
10 Nov. 2025
-
In the 2022 draft, the Dolphins took inside linebacker Channing Tindall at 102, one spot before Kansas City selected inside linebacker Leo Chanel at 103.—
Barry Jackson,
Miami Herald,
9 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
As a childless person who doesn’t teach I’ve been happily unaware that, due to standardized testing requirements that favor close reads of excerpts over whole books, there’s an entire generation of students who have very little contextual framework for the literature they’re being taught in school.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
6 Nov. 2025
-
Buyers fought over a limited supply, with those offering higher down payments and higher offers ultimately being favored by the market.—
Giulia Carbonaro,
MSNBC Newsweek,
6 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
With two straight victories after a 1-5 start, the Ravens have picked themselves off the mat and are threatening to get back in the playoff mix.—
Jeff Zrebiec,
New York Times,
5 Nov. 2025
-
The Seahawks, who sent two mid-round draft picks to the Saints, may see Shaheed as similar to Percy Harvin.—
Tom Krasovic,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
5 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
If that is what Talamasca wants to be, well, what a blessing!—
Lily Osler,
Vulture,
10 Nov. 2025
-
The key to this classic is making sure cook off all the liquid in the summer squash, because no one wants a watery casserole.—
Patricia S York,
Southern Living,
9 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Prefer.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prefer. Accessed 16 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share