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

Under the agreement, NANO Nuclear will serve as a preferred provider of nuclear technology and services for opportunities pursued by the group. — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 25 Sep. 2026

Ahluwalia’s preferred canvas for Spring/Summer 2027 is classic blue denim. — Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 25 Sep. 2026

Whether that means reviewing one’s preferred physicians to determine their in-network status or checking medications to see whether they are covered, Jolley helps her clients make an informed decision. — Karen Koehler, Charlotte Observer, 25 Sep. 2026

The Fed's preferred inflation gauge, the PCE price index for August, is expected to remain well above the Fed's 2% target. — Matthew J. Belvedere,kevin Stankiewicz, CNBC, 25 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