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

Under those rules, qualifying products generally must use yarn and fabric produced within participating countries to receive preferential tariff treatment. — Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2026

Officials must fully disclose financial interests, gifts and conflicts, recuse themselves when legally required and avoid private arrangements that create even the appearance of preferential treatment. — Orlando Sentinel Staff, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 Oct. 2026

Acting on broad policy direction from Beijing, provincial and city officials offered companies generous subsidies, tax breaks, and preferential leases on land. — Scott Singer, Foreign Affairs, 12 Oct. 2026

Past lending scrutiny for Wells Fargo While the new federal probe looks into whether minority buyers received preferential terms, earlier reports this year focused on claims that minority applicants were unfairly turned away. — Chase Jordan october 7, Charlotte Observer, 7 Oct. 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