preferential

adjective

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

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

preferentially

ˌpre-fə-ˈren(t)-sh(ə-)lē 

adverb

Examples of preferential in a Sentence

powerful people who demand preferential treatment from politicians

Recent Examples on the Web

Different companies have different appetites for risk, and some are choosing names that sidestep political connotations, especially those that may hint at or suggest any form of preferential treatment (whether real or imagined). —Heather Price, Forbes.com, 12 June 2025

African countries are also facing uncertainty over the future of the African Growth and Opportunity Act, a 25-year-old preferential trade program with the US that is set to expire in September. —Preeti Jha, semafor.com, 11 June 2025

Gary London, London Moeder Advisors YES: Government tinkering with preferential rates is not likely to produce much more agricultural production. —Phillip Molnar, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 June 2025

McSweeney also attempted to double down on her claims that Cohen gives preferential treatments to reality stars who use cocaine with him. —Esther Kang, People.com, 31 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1849, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for preferential

• consequential
• deferential
• evidential
• existential
• exponential
• influential
• nonessential
• penitential
• precedential
• presidential
• providential
• referential

Kids 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

preferentially

-ˈrench-(ə-)lē 

adverb

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