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

That led City to pivot to Ndiaye, so while their preferred move did not get done, they were not left entirely empty-handed. — Sam Lee, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2026

However, the threat has only grown in complexity, as other foreign adversaries, including Iran, have ramped up efforts to undermine confidence in the American electoral system and advocate for their preferred candidates and policies. — Jenna McLaughlin, NPR, 3 Sep. 2026

In March, the Supreme Court barred California from enforcing state rules that restrict when schools can notify parents about students who come out as transgender and require teachers to use children’s preferred pronouns. — Daniella Silva, NBC news, 2 Sep. 2026

What to expect from Broadcom’s Q3 watch now Choose CNBC as your preferred source on Google and never miss a moment from the most trusted name in business news. — Jordan Novet, CNBC, 2 Sep. 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