preferential
adjective
pref·er·en·tial
ˌpre-fə-ˈren(t)-shəl 
1
: showing preference
preferential treatment
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
Examples of preferential in a Sentence
powerful people who demand preferential treatment from politicians
Recent Examples on the Web
Some White workers alleged Black Americans were getting preferential treatment at their expense.
—
Jessica Guynn, USA Today, 26 Feb. 2026
The 30% duties imposed in 2025 sharply eroded the advantages previously enjoyed under the African Growth and Opportunity Act, which had granted preferential access for many exports.
—Sam Mkokeli, semafor.com, 23 Feb. 2026
The Army claimed McCarthy and Cohn, his chief counsel, had pressured the Army to give preferential treatment to David Schine, a McCarthy aide with whom Cohn was infatuated.
—Kristen Monroe, Chicago Tribune, 17 Feb. 2026
The Agreement on Reciprocal Trade (ART), signed by the two countries last week, includes a provision confirming that used clothing and textiles classified under HS 6309 qualify for preferential treatment under the Central America–Dominican Republic Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR).
—Kate Nishimura, Sourcing Journal, 11 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for preferential
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Jessica Guynn, USA Today, 26 Feb. 2026
The 30% duties imposed in 2025 sharply eroded the advantages previously enjoyed under the African Growth and Opportunity Act, which had granted preferential access for many exports.
—Sam Mkokeli, semafor.com, 23 Feb. 2026
The Army claimed McCarthy and Cohn, his chief counsel, had pressured the Army to give preferential treatment to David Schine, a McCarthy aide with whom Cohn was infatuated.
—Kristen Monroe, Chicago Tribune, 17 Feb. 2026
The Agreement on Reciprocal Trade (ART), signed by the two countries last week, includes a provision confirming that used clothing and textiles classified under HS 6309 qualify for preferential treatment under the Central America–Dominican Republic Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR).
—Kate Nishimura, Sourcing Journal, 11 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for preferential
Cite this Entry
“Preferential.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/preferential. Accessed 4 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
preferential
adjective
pref·er·en·tial
ˌpref-ə-ˈren-chəl
1
: of or relating to preference
2
: showing preference
preferential treatment
3
: creating or using preference in trading
4
: permitting the showing of order of preference (as of candidates in an election)
a preferential ballot
Legal Definition
preferential
adjective
pref·e·ren·tial
ˌpre-fə-ˈren-chəl
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
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