preferred

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

Synonyms of preferred

• selected
• select
• favorite
• favored
• chosen

Examples of preferred in a Sentence

my preferred means of communication is e-mail

Recent Examples on the Web

Wembanyama — the third-place finisher in NBA MVP voting — had struggled with the physicality of the 7-foot Towns, whose unrelenting defense prevented the Spurs center from getting to his preferred spots in the paint. —Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 6 June 2026

While the male panda immediately began to explore his new home and ate, the female remained cautious and preferred to observe, the Taipei Zoo said. —ABC News, 6 June 2026

Medicare Advantage can still work well, but only if your preferred doctors, hospitals and specialists are in network. —Eve Cunningham, Forbes.com, 6 June 2026

Of course, the writer’s preferred recipe was unpalatably boozy. —Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 6 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

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