in preference to

phrase

: instead of (something or someone) : rather than (something or someone)
They chose her in preference to me.

Examples of in preference to in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Root, at least, has welcomed the adoption of the black seam in preference to its white predecessor on the pink ball. Matt Roller, New York Times, 1 Dec. 2025 If cheap wind, solar and batteries are handicapped in preference to expensive almost-defunct coal power plants, commercially unproven SMRs (small modular nuclear reactors), and next-gen geothermal methods, then prices of electricity will rise. Ian Dexter Palmer, Forbes.com, 21 June 2025 Composites are used in preference to sheet metal, in part to offset the weight of the battery pack. Jonathan M. Gitlin, Ars Technica, 8 Aug. 2023 Conversations about fragrance on social media have actually increased by 11% since the first lockdown with consumers have been researching soothing, feel-good fragrances in preference to more seductive scents. Kate Hardcastle, Forbes, 13 May 2022

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Cite this Entry

“In preference to.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/in%20preference%20to. Accessed 23 Jul. 2026.

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