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
Jackson, one of the court's most liberal justices, wrote that her colleagues may be unintentionally showing preferential treatment for the Trump administration.
—
Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 8 June 2025
After coming under criticism that a fellow Jesuit had apparently received preferential treatment, Francis in 2023 ordered the Vatican to waive the statute of limitations on the case and prosecute him canonically.
—Nicole Winfield, Los Angeles Times, 6 June 2025
Make promotion decisions based on merit, rather than preferential bias, and the ship can sail smoothly for generations.
—Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 5 June 2025
Freedom Club membership is $150 for two people, who receive preferential parking and seating for the parade and fireworks, tickets to the pre-parade VIP reception and invitations to other Freedom Club events.
—Elizabeth Marie Himchak, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for preferential
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Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 8 June 2025
After coming under criticism that a fellow Jesuit had apparently received preferential treatment, Francis in 2023 ordered the Vatican to waive the statute of limitations on the case and prosecute him canonically.
—Nicole Winfield, Los Angeles Times, 6 June 2025
Make promotion decisions based on merit, rather than preferential bias, and the ship can sail smoothly for generations.
—Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 5 June 2025
Freedom Club membership is $150 for two people, who receive preferential parking and seating for the parade and fireworks, tickets to the pre-parade VIP reception and invitations to other Freedom Club events.
—Elizabeth Marie Himchak, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 June 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 13 Jun. 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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