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

Assets that cannot be frozen, sanctioned, or controlled by another government, like bitcoin, may become preferable. —Brandon Kochkodin, Forbes.com, 20 Jan. 2026

Semi to full shade is preferable as the leaves may scorch in sunny, dry areas. —Dawn Pettinelli, Hartford Courant, 18 Jan. 2026

The pill may be preferable for people who dislike injections, but it must be taken very precisely on an empty stomach each morning; the injection has fewer timing rules. —Sean Hashmi, EverydayHealth.com, 16 Jan. 2026

Paramount is betting that its lawsuit can pry out new data that could sway investors or force WBD to engage, which is its preferable course of action. —Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 15 Jan. 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