preferred

1 of 2

adjective

pre·​ferred pri-ˈfərd 

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

preferred

2 of 2

past tense and past participle of prefer

Synonyms of preferred

Adjective

• selected
• select
• favorite
• favored
• chosen

Examples of preferred in a Sentence

Adjective

my preferred means of communication is e-mail

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Just remember that these Last Call finds are final sale, so double-check your preferred colors and sizes before checking out. — Jacorey Moon, Architectural Digest, 7 Nov. 2026

When managing client work becomes a pressing concern, the company is more likely to be the preferred choice. — Jehan Lalkaka, Forbes.com, 5 Nov. 2026

With consumer prices now on one of their longest streaks of higher-than-preferred inflation readings on record, the average American’s economic sentiment is even worse today. — Alex Harring, CNBC, 4 Nov. 2026

Sculptra is Hale's preferred way to restore the fullness to their face and recommends it to her older clients as well. — Norah O'Donnell, CBS News, 4 Nov. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1748, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Phrases Containing preferred

• preferred provider
• preferred provider organization
• preferred stock

Rhymes for preferred

• afterword
• firebird
• hummingbird
• ladybird
• mockingbird
• overheard
• thunderbird
• undergird
• undeterred
• absurd
• averred
• bluebird