preferable
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
Examples of preferable in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
However, hands-on learning toys are always preferable.
—
Dorian Smith-Garcia, Parents, 8 Nov. 2023
In terms of what’s changed, there are now more Republicans who think a default would be either no big deal or even preferable to the status quo.
—Jason Linkins, The New Republic, 6 Oct. 2023
Here’s another surprise: Just 56 percent of Americans deemed democracy preferable to any other kind of government.
—Steven P. Dinkin, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Sep. 2023
This second critical field boundary is usually much higher than Hc found in Type I superconductors, which is why Type II superconductors are preferable in many engineering applications.
—Darren Orf, Popular Mechanics, 15 Aug. 2023
The ban applies to short-grain rice that is starchier and has a relatively neutral flavor — which Rao says is preferable in some dishes or favored in specific regions of India, especially in southern areas of the country.
—Bobby Caina Calvan, Fortune, 29 July 2023
But some studies suggest that working for an older manager is preferable to toiling for a greener one.
—Lila MacLellan, Fortune, 23 Sep. 2023
As a ship-of-state analogy, Airplane! is preferable to the probably appropriate Titanic.
—Armond White, National Review, 6 Oct. 2023
That might be preferable to withdrawing money for something other than education, because in that case the beneficiary has to pay tax on the gains in the account plus a 10% federal tax penalty.
—Sarah Brodsky, wsj.com, 24 Sep. 2023
See More
Dorian Smith-Garcia, Parents, 8 Nov. 2023
In terms of what’s changed, there are now more Republicans who think a default would be either no big deal or even preferable to the status quo.
—Jason Linkins, The New Republic, 6 Oct. 2023
Here’s another surprise: Just 56 percent of Americans deemed democracy preferable to any other kind of government.
—Steven P. Dinkin, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Sep. 2023
This second critical field boundary is usually much higher than Hc found in Type I superconductors, which is why Type II superconductors are preferable in many engineering applications.
—Darren Orf, Popular Mechanics, 15 Aug. 2023
The ban applies to short-grain rice that is starchier and has a relatively neutral flavor — which Rao says is preferable in some dishes or favored in specific regions of India, especially in southern areas of the country.
—Bobby Caina Calvan, Fortune, 29 July 2023
But some studies suggest that working for an older manager is preferable to toiling for a greener one.
—Lila MacLellan, Fortune, 23 Sep. 2023
As a ship-of-state analogy, Airplane! is preferable to the probably appropriate Titanic.
—Armond White, National Review, 6 Oct. 2023
That might be preferable to withdrawing money for something other than education, because in that case the beneficiary has to pay tax on the gains in the account plus a 10% federal tax penalty.
—Sarah Brodsky, wsj.com, 24 Sep. 2023
See More
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'preferable.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1666, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near preferable
Cite this Entry
“Preferable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/preferable. Accessed 9 Dec. 2023.
Copy Citation
Kids Definition
preferable
adjective
pref·er·a·ble
ˈpref-(ə-)rə-bəl
ˈpref-ər-bəl
: worthy to be preferred : more desirable
More from Merriam-Webster on preferable
Nglish: Translation of preferable for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of preferable for Arabic Speakers
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share