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.
Key factors for choosing a mattress include your sleeping position, preferred firmness, and budget. Alora Bopray, USA Today, 25 Apr. 2026 On Wednesday, the Illinois House passed a proposal to help the team build a new $2 billion stadium in Arlington Heights (Chicagoans preferred stadium site), allowing the Bears to negotiate long-term property tax breaks. Grace Miserocchi, Chicago Tribune, 25 Apr. 2026 Alex Crippen, Editor, Warren Buffett Watch Choose CNBC as your preferred source on Google and never miss a moment from the most trusted name in business news. Alex Crippen, CNBC, 25 Apr. 2026 He was asked to choose his preferred coverage, and his role in it, with the game on the line in the fourth quarter. Michael-Shawn Dugar, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2026 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Preferred.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/preferred. Accessed 28 Apr. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on preferred

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster