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
Examples of preferential in a Sentence
powerful people who demand preferential treatment from politicians
Recent Examples on the Web
Reviewers are already in the field, making reservations and dining in secrecy to ensure they're not given preferential treatment.
—
Madalyn Mendoza, Axios, 16 July 2024
Like the state of Maryland, public colleges and universities in Virginia will be prohibited from giving preferential admissions treatment on the basis of whether a student’s family member attended the institution or is a donor.
—Gregory S. Schneider, Washington Post, 28 June 2024
Ranked choice voting, also known as instant runoff voting or preferential voting, allows electors to vote by ranking multiple candidates on the ballot.
—Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 6 June 2024
Many cities, like neighboring National City, have long had local preferential policies and more jurisdictions, such as San Jose, are adopting similar rules.
—Tammy Murga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for preferential 
Madalyn Mendoza, Axios, 16 July 2024
Like the state of Maryland, public colleges and universities in Virginia will be prohibited from giving preferential admissions treatment on the basis of whether a student’s family member attended the institution or is a donor.
—Gregory S. Schneider, Washington Post, 28 June 2024
Ranked choice voting, also known as instant runoff voting or preferential voting, allows electors to vote by ranking multiple candidates on the ballot.
—Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 6 June 2024
Many cities, like neighboring National City, have long had local preferential policies and more jurisdictions, such as San Jose, are adopting similar rules.
—Tammy Murga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for preferential
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'preferential.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near preferential
Cite this Entry
“Preferential.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/preferential. Accessed 26 Jul. 2024.
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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