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
However, a sale to any studio or live entertainment company could create concern of giving preferential treatment to its own films or events.
—
Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 28 May 2026
That could mean higher frequencies, dedicated lanes or preferential signalization for buses, more comfortable and technologically advanced stations, and level boarding for quicker step-ons and -offs.
—John Aguilar, Denver Post, 27 May 2026
The airline has committed to giving preferential interviews to former Spirit workers.
—Miami Herald, 23 May 2026
His critics accuse him of crony capitalism and of gaining preferential treatment from the government, including in winning contracts, which the group has denied.
—Michael R. Sisak, Los Angeles Times, 19 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for preferential
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Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 28 May 2026
That could mean higher frequencies, dedicated lanes or preferential signalization for buses, more comfortable and technologically advanced stations, and level boarding for quicker step-ons and -offs.
—John Aguilar, Denver Post, 27 May 2026
The airline has committed to giving preferential interviews to former Spirit workers.
—Miami Herald, 23 May 2026
His critics accuse him of crony capitalism and of gaining preferential treatment from the government, including in winning contracts, which the group has denied.
—Michael R. Sisak, Los Angeles Times, 19 May 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 31 May. 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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