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

But ties between the US and Zambia frayed this year following reports the State Department was tying health funding to preferential mineral access for US firms, a plan that Zambia rejected. — Adrian Elimian, semafor.com, 4 Sep. 2026

Rather, the agreement gives Washington an equity interest in Blue Energy’s corporate parent, substantial governance rights and preferential access to oil produced from the fields. — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 2 Sep. 2026

In return, early participation helps M&S establish long-term relationships, preferential access and future sourcing opportunities as the market develops. — Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 28 Aug. 2026

In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Jen Shah, the Real Housewives of Salt Lake City alum who served a sentence for fraud at the same facility, accused prison officials of giving Maxwell preferential treatment behind bars. — Ben Brachfeld, PEOPLE, 25 Aug. 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