Entry Word: prefer

Function: verb

Meaning: 1 to show partiality toward <I generally prefer chocolate ice cream over vanilla>

Synonyms favor, lean (toward), like

Related Words adore, cotton (to), delight (in), dig, enjoy, fancy, groove (on), relish, revel (in); choose, cull, handpick, name, pick, select, single (out), take; covet, crave, desire, want, wish (for); bias, prejudice; incline (towards), tend (to); admire, appreciate, cherish, prize, treasure, value

Phrases be partial to

Near Antonyms disfavor, dislike; abhor, abominate, detest, hate, loathe; decline, refuse, reject, turn down; discard, jettison, throw away, throw out

2 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> — see choose 1