preferable

1 of 2

adjective

pref·​er·​a·​ble ˈpre-f(ə-)rə-bəl 

ˈpre-fər-bəl

also pri-ˈfər-ə-bəl

: having greater value or desirability : being preferred

preferability

ˌpre-f(ə-)rə-ˈbi-lə-tē 

noun

preferability

2 of 2

noun

pref·​er·​a·​bil·​i·​ty ˌpref(ə)rəˈbilətē 

-lətē, 

-i

: preferableness

Examples of preferable in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

For many, that could mean shifting it into a CD, while some may find a high-yield savings or money market account preferable, and others may prefer to mix their funds among all three. —Matt Richardson, CBS News, 4 June 2026

Geographically, rather than half-dressed, would of course be preferable. —Judith Martin, Mercury News, 30 May 2026

Metropolitan’s endorsement is based on the belief that Draper, 84, will soon leave the bench and the governor’s appointee would be preferable to his current opponent. —Susan Shelley, Daily News, 29 May 2026

And in an increasingly dangerous geopolitical environment, dialogue is clearly preferable to open confrontation. —Neil Shearing, Time, 20 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

preferable + -ity

First Known Use

Adjective

1666, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for preferable

• referable

Kids Definition

preferable

adjective

pref·​er·​a·​ble ˈpref-(ə-)rə-bəl 

ˈpref-ər-bəl

: worthy to be preferred : more desirable

preferability

ˌpref-(ə-)rə-ˈbil-ət-ē 

noun

preferably

ˈpref-(ə-)rə-blē 

ˈpref-ər-

adverb