preferential

adjective pref·er·en·tial \ ˌpre-fə-ˈren(t)-shəl \

|Updated on: 5 Jun 2018

Examples: preferential in a Sentence

Definition of preferential

1 : showing preference

2 : employing or creating a preference in trade relations

3 : designed to permit expression of preference among candidates

a preferential primary

4 : giving preference especially in hiring to union members

a preferential shop

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preferentially

play \ˌpre-fə-ˈren(t)-sh(ə-)lē\ adverb

See preferential defined for English-language learners

See preferential defined for kids

Examples of preferential in a Sentence

powerful people who demand preferential treatment from politicians

Recent Examples of preferential from the Web

Still, the Weinstein case fed an impression that Mr. Vance’s office gave the wealthy preferential treatment.

— New York Times, "Harvey Weinstein’s Arrest May Define Manhattan D.A.’s Legacy," 27 May 2018
In the Second Gilded Age, the Occupy Wall Street movement took to the streets to demand an end to preferential treatment of the rich — the 1% — by the government.

— rick hampson, USA TODAY, "America's Second Gilded Age: More class envy than class conflict," 17 May 2018
Slagter also gets preferential treatment because he is expected to pace Morton on the final, seven-mile climb on Gibraltar Road.

— david wharton, latimes.com, "Set the pace, block wind, fetch water — these guys do everything but win," 16 May 2018
One can argue that companies adversely impacted by new laws should revisit their business model to remain competitive rather than expect preferential treatment to offset any losses.

— michael mccann, SI.com, "How the Supreme Court's Sports Betting Ruling Affects Leagues, Players and Fans," 14 May 2018
Trustees refused and said doing so would make Houston ISD less likely to win a multi-million-dollar federal grant for the school, because the grant discouraged preferential treatment.

— shelby webb, Houston Chronicle, "Houston ISD's Baylor Academy at Ryan opens to more neighborhood students," 10 May 2018
The lawsuit alleges male majors got preferential treatment, that she was excluded from command staff meetings and that male subordinates were disrespectful to her.

— sharon coolidge, Cincinnati.com, "Lawsuit: Jail boss ousted for being a lesbian, raising concerns about use of force," 9 May 2018
Regarding this situation, these lines particularly stand out: • City employees must conduct business of the City impartially and in a manner above reproach, with preferential treatment for none.

— jason williams, Cincinnati.com, "PX column: Jeff Pastor's mansion gift looks awful. Can Cincinnati citizens trust him?," 2 May 2018
Several Warriors players reportedly are upset with the way the incident has been handled and believe Shumann, a longtime reporter in the Bay Area, has been given preferential treatment.

— aj neuharth-keusch, USA TODAY, "TV anchor allegedly caught on video stealing jacket from Warriors security guard," 23 Apr. 2018

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

First Known Use of preferential

1849

in the meaning defined at sense 1

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PREFERENTIAL Defined for English Language Learners

preferential

adjective

Definition of preferential for English Language Learners

: giving an advantage to a particular person or group

Law Dictionary

preferential

adjective pref·e·ren·tial \ ˌpre-fə-ˈren-chəl \

legal Definition of preferential

1 : of or constituting a preference

a preferential transfer

2 : giving preference to union members especially in hiring

a preferential shop

3 : showing preference

these creditors may obtain preferential treatment

Learn More about preferential

See words that rhyme with preferential Spanish Central: Translation of preferential Nglish: Translation of preferential for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of preferential for Arabic speakers

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preferential

Definition of preferential

preferentially

Examples of preferential in a Sentence

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PREFERENTIAL Defined for English Language Learners

preferential

Definition of preferential for English Language Learners

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preferential

legal Definition of preferential

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preferentially

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First Known Use of preferential

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