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

preferability

ˌpre-f(ə-)rə-ˈbi-lə-tē 

noun

Examples of preferable in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Concerns about this recent deceleration aside, a slight quarter-to-quarter boost is obviously preferable to the bundle’s comparable loss of 953,000 customers between the first and second quarters of this year. — Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 23 Sep. 2026

Anyone would be preferable to the man holding the reins while the Chargers scored just three points in last season’s wild-card loss to the New England Patriots, after which Roman was fired. — Los Angeles Times, 21 Sep. 2026

Let the oil soak for at least an hour, but overnight is preferable. — Emily Hayes, Martha Stewart, 17 Sep. 2026

For some spouses, however, filing separately may be the preferable choice. — Becca Stanek, TheWeek, 7 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

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