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
In his speech in Bogotá before visiting China, Petro questioned why Colombia should give the U.S. preferential treatment.
—
Alfie Pannell, Miami Herald, 15 May 2025
What To Know Speaking at a Shanghai event on Friday, EU Ambassador to China Jorge Toledo echoed the long-standing concerns of many European firms about preferential treatment of local competitors in the Chinese market.
—Micah McCartney, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 May 2025
The saga around Sinner has shone the spotlight on the current anti-doping protocols in tennis, with several players raising concerns about possible preferential treatment for the top stars.
—Issy Ronald, CNN Money, 11 May 2025
The ranking member of the House Oversight Committee is launching an investigation into whether the General Services Administration has given preferential treatment to a technology startup competing for a lucrative government contract.
—Christopher Bing, ProPublica, 9 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for preferential
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Alfie Pannell, Miami Herald, 15 May 2025
What To Know Speaking at a Shanghai event on Friday, EU Ambassador to China Jorge Toledo echoed the long-standing concerns of many European firms about preferential treatment of local competitors in the Chinese market.
—Micah McCartney, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 May 2025
The saga around Sinner has shone the spotlight on the current anti-doping protocols in tennis, with several players raising concerns about possible preferential treatment for the top stars.
—Issy Ronald, CNN Money, 11 May 2025
The ranking member of the House Oversight Committee is launching an investigation into whether the General Services Administration has given preferential treatment to a technology startup competing for a lucrative government contract.
—Christopher Bing, ProPublica, 9 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for preferential
Cite this Entry
“Preferential.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/preferential. Accessed 20 May. 2025.
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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