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

Until now, the state’s business community had fundamentally supported the auctioning of emission allowances as a market approach preferable to the direct regulation of emissions, which many environmental groups favored. —Dan Walters, Mercury News, 18 Mar. 2026

The effect is intimate and personal and personable—preferable to me compared to the seamless, but often slick and automated service that other resorts favor. —Mattie Kahn, Vogue, 17 Mar. 2026

Cotton and others who oppose permanent daylight saving time cite health and safety concerns, often arguing that maintaining standard time year-round would be preferable. —Alexis Simmerman, Austin American Statesman, 7 Mar. 2026

Electric motors are generally preferable, given their ability to accelerate instantly and achieve higher speeds. —James Dwyer, Fortune, 6 Mar. 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