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
Examples of preferential in a Sentence
powerful people who demand preferential treatment from politicians
Recent Examples on the Web
Lesotho, briefly hit with steep US tariffs last year, still faces uncertainty over the future of AGOA, the preferential US-Africa trade pact that underpins much of its export economy.
—
Yinka Adegoke, semafor.com, 9 Jan. 2026
The Producers Guild Awards are considered one of the most reliable bellwethers in the Oscar race because their preferential ballot closely mirrors the academy’s best picture voting system.
—Los Angeles Times, 9 Jan. 2026
In his own study, Jensen also noted that daughters were more likely to get preferential treatment.
—Hannah Sacks, PEOPLE, 8 Jan. 2026
One film has dominated much of the season and shattered records, while the other carries an undercurrent of passion and historical weight that could resonate on a preferential Oscar ballot.
—Jordan Moreau, Variety, 7 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for preferential
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Yinka Adegoke, semafor.com, 9 Jan. 2026
The Producers Guild Awards are considered one of the most reliable bellwethers in the Oscar race because their preferential ballot closely mirrors the academy’s best picture voting system.
—Los Angeles Times, 9 Jan. 2026
In his own study, Jensen also noted that daughters were more likely to get preferential treatment.
—Hannah Sacks, PEOPLE, 8 Jan. 2026
One film has dominated much of the season and shattered records, while the other carries an undercurrent of passion and historical weight that could resonate on a preferential Oscar ballot.
—Jordan Moreau, Variety, 7 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for preferential
Cite this Entry
“Preferential.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/preferential. Accessed 11 Jan. 2026.
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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