Synonyms of prefer

prefer

verb

pri-ˈfər 

1

as in to like

to show partiality toward

I generally prefer chocolate ice cream over vanilla

Synonyms & Similar Words

• like
• enjoy
• choose
• favor
• want
• pick
• care (for)
• go in for
• lean (toward or towards)
• select
• appreciate
• relish
• adore
• desire
• fancy
• crave
• dig
• cotton (to)
• admire
• wish (for)
• take
• delight (in)
• be partial to
• tend (to)
• bias
• name
• single (out)
• covet
• revel (in)
• handpick
• prejudice
• cull
• cherish
• groove (on)
• incline (toward)
• value
• treasure
• prize
• hanker (for or after)

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• dislike
• hate
• loathe
• refuse
• detest
• abhor
• reject
• decline
• mislike
• turn down
• discard
• disfavor
• abominate
• jettison
• throw away
• throw out

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

• choose
• select
• pick
• take
• elect
• name
• designate
• opt (for)
• tag
• single (out)
• cull
• handpick
• cherry-pick
• nominate
• accept
• adopt
• appoint
• embrace
• tap
• preselect
• tab
• mark
• set
• espouse
• settle (on or upon)
• fix

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• refuse
• reject
• decline
• turn down
• disapprove
• negative
• repudiate
• discard
• spurn
• throw away
• throw out
• jettison

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of prefer

However, keep in mind that different vegetables prefer slightly different humidity levels. — Helena Madden, Martha Stewart, 3 Aug. 2026

Nathan Melotte, a managing director for consulting firm Cordogan Clark, said the option preferred by the board could pose an issue because of its size. — Cam'ron Hardy, Chicago Tribune, 3 Aug. 2026

Boost bus service between 38th and Blake Station to Union Station and to grocery stores in downtown and uptown to make car-light living viable for those who prefer it or need it. — Dp Opinion, Denver Post, 2 Aug. 2026

The 97% prototype received the highest share of preferences and was preferred by 40% of the testing group. — Mark Sparrow, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026