1
as in to like
to show partiality toward
I generally prefer chocolate ice cream over vanilla
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to choose
to decide to accept (someone or something) from a group of possibilities
most buyers of that vehicle have preferred the model with four-wheel drive
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of prefer
While many prefer a clean, uniform look (nude manicures have been having a serious moment), others gravitate toward high drama, each nail treated as its own individual canvas.
—
Kara Jillian Brown, InStyle, 20 Jan. 2026
Balsam fir is native to moist woods and prefers well-draining, acidic soil over dense, clay soil.
—Lee Wallender, The Spruce, 20 Jan. 2026
Some people prefer a big hit of nose-clearing horseradish, while others want a mix that lets pure tomato flavor shine through.
—Sam Stone, Bon Appetit Magazine, 20 Jan. 2026
The flowers also prefer slightly acidic, loamy soil, and the plants are partial to full sun.
—Michelle Mastro, Martha Stewart, 20 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for prefer
Kara Jillian Brown, InStyle, 20 Jan. 2026
Balsam fir is native to moist woods and prefers well-draining, acidic soil over dense, clay soil.
—Lee Wallender, The Spruce, 20 Jan. 2026
Some people prefer a big hit of nose-clearing horseradish, while others want a mix that lets pure tomato flavor shine through.
—Sam Stone, Bon Appetit Magazine, 20 Jan. 2026
The flowers also prefer slightly acidic, loamy soil, and the plants are partial to full sun.
—Michelle Mastro, Martha Stewart, 20 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for prefer
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prefer
Verb
-
For solo travelers or anyone who likes an extra layer of security, these personal safety devices are practical, compact, and easy to use.—
Chaise Sanders,
Travel + Leisure,
15 Jan. 2026
-
The Bears held just a walkthrough on Wednesday, surely with no heaters on the sideline, which is apparently the way Ben Johnson likes it.—
Matt Zahn,
CBS News,
15 Jan. 2026
Verb
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If a player chooses not to negotiate with the Panthers, that player will be unable to sign elsewhere, unless Carolina relinquishes his rights by not offering him a tender.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
11 Jan. 2026
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There are 23 colors to choose from, plus petite sizes S–XXL.—
Jamie Allison Sanders,
PEOPLE,
11 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Ball enjoys every second of their interactions, too.—
Roderick Boone,
Charlotte Observer,
11 Jan. 2026
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The winner will get to enjoy Super Bowl LX in Santa Clara, California, with a full official Super Bowl Experience, including round-trip airfare, three-night hotel accommodations, plus a $1,000 gift card for expenses.—
Janay Reece,
CBS News,
10 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Given the way her last-minute election over Worrell, a Black man, unfolded, Flynn and Murphy called for Breadon to reconsider her vice presidency pick, and select a councilor of color as her deputy rather than Coletta Zapata.—
Gayla Cawley,
Boston Herald,
13 Jan. 2026
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Sheppard, a 2011 NFL draft pick, was selected by the Buffalo Bills before playing for Indianapolis, Miami, New York and Detroit.—
DeJanay Booth-Singleton,
CBS News,
13 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Valentino Garavani’s life in pictures Italian fashion legend Valentino Garavani, whose elegant evening gowns were favored for decades by some of the world’s most glamorous women, died on Monday.—
Alexandra Banner,
CNN Money,
20 Jan. 2026
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The United States favors voluntary standards to preserve innovation and security flexibility.—
Steven Wolfe Pereira,
Forbes.com,
20 Jan. 2026
Verb
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He was hand picked by Jeopardy producers to succeed Trebek before his passing, and even got the blessing of the longtime host's widow, Jean Trebek.—
Ryan Coleman,
Entertainment Weekly,
9 Jan. 2026
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He was picked to play for Latvia in the Winter Olympics next month in Milan, Italy.—
Steve Lyttle,
Charlotte Observer,
9 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The same doesn't apply to any amphibians who might want to join her in the night, however.—
Phil Boucher,
PEOPLE,
16 Jan. 2026
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And the shorter length is ideal for petite shoppers or those who just want to let their ankles breathe while out and about.—
Michelle Baricevic,
InStyle,
16 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Prefer.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prefer. Accessed 22 Jan. 2026.
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