preferred

adjective

pre·​ferred pri-ˈfərd How to pronounce preferred (audio)
Synonyms of preferrednext
1
: liked better or best : used or wanted in preference to others
a preferred method
'Leveled' is the preferred spelling in American English.
2
: having special status or receiving special treatment or benefits
preferred customers

Examples of preferred in a Sentence

my preferred means of communication is e-mail
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In Japan, the first capsule hotel was built in the city of Osaka in 1979, primarily to serve as an inexpensive overnight option for salarymen who worked late and preferred to stay out drinking and socializing rather than spending more money commuting home. Sawdah Bhaimiya, CNBC, 20 Dec. 2025 Under terms of the deal, Coty is to receive an upfront cash consideration of $750 million and 45 percent of any proceeds from a further sale of or an initial public offering of the activity once KKR’s preferred return has been met. Jennifer Weil, Footwear News, 19 Dec. 2025 The story about Bagel veers through the inevitable health issues that come with owning a 16-year-old cat and lands on a pedantic piece of wordplay about the name of Bagel’s preferred pill-providing supplement, Easypill Giver Cat. Kathryn Vanarendonk, Vulture, 19 Dec. 2025 The Adaptation Advantage If you can only be coached one way, you’re limited to working with leaders who share your preferred style — maybe 20% of potential mentors. Brendan Keegan, Rolling Stone, 19 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for preferred

Word History

First Known Use

1748, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of preferred was in 1748

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Cite this Entry

“Preferred.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/preferred. Accessed 26 Dec. 2025.

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