preference

noun

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pref·er·ence | \ ˈpre-fərn(t)s, ˈpre-f(ə-)rən(t)s

Definition of preference

1a : the act of preferring : the state of being preferred

b : the power or opportunity of choosing

2 : one that is preferred

3 : the act, fact, or principle of giving advantages to some over others

4 : priority in the right to demand and receive satisfaction of an obligation

5 offensive, see usage paragraph below : orientation sense 2b sexual preference

Synonyms Choose the Right Synonym Usage of Preference More Example Sentences Learn More About preference

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Synonyms for preference

Synonyms

Choose the Right Synonym for preference

choice, option, alternative, preference, selection, election mean the act or opportunity of choosing or the thing chosen. choice suggests the opportunity or privilege of choosing freely. freedom of choice option implies a power to choose that is specifically granted or guaranteed. the option of paying now or later alternative implies a need to choose one and reject another possibility. equally attractive alternatives preference suggests a choice guided by one's judgment or predilections. a preference for cool weather selection implies a range of choice. a varied selection of furniture election implies an end or purpose which requires exercise of judgment. doing a tax return forces certain elections on you

Examples of preference in a Sentence

Car buyers have recently shown a growing preference for smaller vehicles. When it comes to music, everyone has their own preferences. Some people like small cars and some people like big cars. It's a matter of personal preference. She listed her favorite restaurants in order of preference. He has tried not to show preference in giving out jobs. The policy of the school is to give preference to minority candidates. “We could go to an Italian or Chinese restaurant tonight. What's your preference?” “Either one is fine. I don't have a preference.”

Recent Examples on the Web As the delta variant pushed back return-to-work transitions for many corporations this summer and fall, more and more workers are becoming used to the flexibility of working from home and are stating a preference. — Elizabeth Edwards, Forbes, 12 Oct. 2021 But whatever someone's reasons for wanting to use a condom, that preference should be respected unless that person gives specific consent otherwise. — Sarah Jacoby, SELF, 11 Oct. 2021 Its proponents are concerned that a bilingual person could be hired in preference to one speaking only French, putting Francophones at a disadvantage. — The New York Times, Arkansas Online, 10 Oct. 2021 Its proponents are concerned that a bilingual person could be hired in preference to one speaking only French, putting Francophones at a disadvantage. — New York Times, 9 Oct. 2021 Green's strength, and maybe even preference, is operating off the ball. — Rahat Huq, Chron, 6 Oct. 2021 The justices rejected the premise that the preference amounted to racial discrimination. — Matt Ford, The New Republic, 6 Oct. 2021 Such a step, it should be noted, has never been Israel’s preference. — Ilan Berman, National Review, 5 Oct. 2021 Sweikhart’s case was given calendar preference when it was filed in 2019 in Los Angeles County against Akebona Brake Industry, based in Japan. — Bob Egelko, San Francisco Chronicle, 4 Oct. 2021

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'preference.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Last Updated

14 Oct 2021

Cite this Entry

“Preference.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/preference. Accessed 19 Oct. 2021.

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More Definitions for preference

preference

noun

English Language Learners Definition of preference

: a feeling of liking or wanting one person or thing more than another person or thing

: an advantage that is given to some people or things and not to others

: something that is liked or wanted more than another thing : something that is preferred

See the full definition for preference in the English Language Learners Dictionary

preference

noun

pref·er·ence | \ ˈpre-fə-rəns

, ˈpref-rəns \

Kids Definition of preference

1 : a choosing of or special liking for one person or thing rather than another or others Buyers are showing a preference for small cars.

2 : the power or chance to choose : choice I gave him his preference.

3 : a person or thing that is liked or wanted more than another My preference is to travel by train.

preference

noun

pref·er·ence | \ ˈpre-frəns, -fə-rəns

Legal Definition of preference

1 : the right to prior payment of a debt with preference over the creditors of the heirs or legatees — Louisiana Civil Code

2 : the transfer of an insolvent debtor's interest in property to a creditor for an earlier debt that gives the creditor more than the creditor would otherwise receive (as under a bankruptcy settlement)

— called also voidable preference

— compare antecedent debt at debt, fraudulent conveyance, general assignment at assignment

Note: Preferences can be voided by a bankruptcy trustee because they diminish the bankruptcy estate out of which other creditors will be paid. Preferences must be made during a period (as 90 days before the date of filing a bankruptcy petition) established by bankruptcy law in order to be voidable. Perfection or grant of a security interest during this period is also a preference. The bankruptcy law states exceptions under which payments to creditors are not voidable preferences.

3 : priority