prefer

verb

pre·​fer pri-ˈfər 

preferred; preferring

transitive verb

1

: to promote or advance to a rank or position

2

: to like better or best

prefers sports to reading

prefers to watch TV

3

: to give (a creditor) priority

4

archaic : to put or set forward or before someone : recommend

5

: to bring or lay against someone

won't prefer charges

6

: to bring forward or lay before one for consideration

preferrer noun

Synonyms of prefer

• like
• enjoy
• choose
• favor
• want

Examples of prefer in a Sentence

Some people like vanilla ice cream, but I prefer chocolate.

She tends to prefer small college campuses.

I prefer this dictionary because of its helpful examples.

Which one is the preferred alternative?

What is the preferred pronunciation of her name?

Recent Examples on the Web

Libbey Newton Tumbler Drinking Glasses, Set of 6 For anyone who prefers timeless glassware that won’t crowd their cabinets, this Libbey set fits right in. —Jeaneen Russell, PEOPLE, 14 Jan. 2026

Just as light and breezy colors are preferred for spring and summer, warm and moody tones suit winter well, bringing a sense of cozy comfort to the home. —Cori Sears, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 Jan. 2026

It’s designed for those who prefer not to live in high-rises like those in downtown Miami or Brickell. —Sarah Moreno, Miami Herald, 13 Jan. 2026

Alternatively, those who prefer to stay active can do yoga, hit the gym, play pickleball, or browse the shops. —Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 13 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English preferren, from Anglo-French preferrer, from Latin praeferre to put before, prefer, from prae- + ferre to carry — more at bear

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for prefer

• chauffeur
• cockspur
• concur
• confer
• defer
• demur
• deter
• hotspur
• incur
• infer
• inter
• jagir

Kids Definition

prefer

verb

pre·​fer pri-ˈfər 

preferred; preferring

1

: to choose or like better than another

prefer dark clothes

2

: to present for action or consideration

prefer charges against a thief

Legal Definition

prefer

transitive verb

pre·​fer pri-ˈfər 

preferred; preferring

1

: to give (a creditor or debt) priority or preference

any preferred charges such as child support or alimony

—In re Smiley, 427 P.2d 179 (1967)

2

: to bring forward for determination

especially : to bring (a charge) against someone

the various means by which a grand jury might prefer charges

—State v. Byrd, 399 S.E.2d 267 (1990)