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
To add another layer of drama, the Academy Awards—voted on by more than 10,000 members who are working professionals in the movie industry—use a preferential ballot for the best-picture category.
—
Rebecca Ford, Vanity Fair, 3 Mar. 2026
The Producers Guild, which uses a preferential ballot like the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences does, is among the most predictive of bellwethers.
—ABC News, 3 Mar. 2026
Some White workers alleged Black Americans were getting preferential treatment at their expense.
—Jessica Guynn, USA Today, 26 Feb. 2026
The 30% duties imposed in 2025 sharply eroded the advantages previously enjoyed under the African Growth and Opportunity Act, which had granted preferential access for many exports.
—Sam Mkokeli, semafor.com, 23 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for preferential
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Rebecca Ford, Vanity Fair, 3 Mar. 2026
The Producers Guild, which uses a preferential ballot like the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences does, is among the most predictive of bellwethers.
—ABC News, 3 Mar. 2026
Some White workers alleged Black Americans were getting preferential treatment at their expense.
—Jessica Guynn, USA Today, 26 Feb. 2026
The 30% duties imposed in 2025 sharply eroded the advantages previously enjoyed under the African Growth and Opportunity Act, which had granted preferential access for many exports.
—Sam Mkokeli, semafor.com, 23 Feb. 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 Mar. 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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