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
India will receive a preferential tariff rate quota on automobile parts and generic pharmaceuticals.
—
Bloomberg News, Boston Herald, 7 Feb. 2026
The statement also includes provisions for preferential market access, cooperation on non-tariff barriers, and commitments to strengthen alignment on economic security and supply chain resilience.
—Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 6 Feb. 2026
Prices within the preferential trade zone will remain consistent over time, the vice president said.
—Didi Tang, Arkansas Online, 5 Feb. 2026
Olympics Getting gold medal sleep Athletes at the 2026 Winter Olympics get to design their preferential mattress for their sleep conditions.
—Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 3 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for preferential
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Bloomberg News, Boston Herald, 7 Feb. 2026
The statement also includes provisions for preferential market access, cooperation on non-tariff barriers, and commitments to strengthen alignment on economic security and supply chain resilience.
—Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 6 Feb. 2026
Prices within the preferential trade zone will remain consistent over time, the vice president said.
—Didi Tang, Arkansas Online, 5 Feb. 2026
Olympics Getting gold medal sleep Athletes at the 2026 Winter Olympics get to design their preferential mattress for their sleep conditions.
—Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 3 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 12 Feb. 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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