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.
West did not name a preferred replacement. Michael Sinkewicz, FOXNews.com, 10 May 2026 Supporters of the president's party often become more complacent after a presidential election, given their preferred party is running things. Domenico Montanaro, NPR, 9 May 2026 The ruling was seen as a blow to a provision of the Voting Rights Act that requires political maps to include districts where minority populations' preferred candidates can win elections. ABC News, 9 May 2026 The ruling was seen as a blow to a provision of the Voting Rights Act that requires political maps to include districts where minority populations’ preferred candidates can win elections. Geoff Mulvihill, Chicago Tribune, 9 May 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

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Cite this Entry

“Preferred.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/preferred. Accessed 15 May. 2026.

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