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

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

Previously, a spokesperson said that the bureau does not discuss conditions of confinement or security procedures and that employee standards of conduct prohibit staff from giving any prisoners preferential treatment. —Keri Blakinger, ProPublica, 11 June 2026

Allegations claim students and parents of color are being granted preferential treatment and access to district administration through a district committee called Voices of Color. —Gabriela Vidal, CBS News, 9 June 2026

Hegseth has long argued, without offering evidence, that women in the military benefit from preferential treatment and are not suited for combat roles. —Konstantin Toropin, Los Angeles Times, 7 June 2026

Hegseth has long argued, without offering evidence, that women in the military benefit from preferential treatment and are not suited for combat roles. —ABC News, 6 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1849, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for preferential

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

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