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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of prefer
Surely the 49ers would prefer to get this done well beforehand so Williams can be with the team all summer while turning 38 on July 19.
—
Chris Biderman
march 3, Sacbee.com, 3 Mar. 2026
Open any social media app, and there's no shortage of opinions and hot takes about the military attack on Iran by the United States and Israel, but Razani prefers to let his art speak for him.
—Charlie De Mar, CBS News, 3 Mar. 2026
The Patriots, under head coach Mike Vrabel and assistants Zak Kuhr, Terrell Williams and Scott Booker, prefer versatile safeties with the range to play the deep half of the field.
—Doug Kyed, Boston Herald, 3 Mar. 2026
Anchored by a veteran duo Hardaway and Brown have been the glue of that unit — a backcourt duo that Adelman has intentionally kept out of the starting lineup, preferring to pair them off the bench even when injuries created openings.
—Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 2 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for prefer
Chris Biderman
march 3, Sacbee.com, 3 Mar. 2026
Open any social media app, and there's no shortage of opinions and hot takes about the military attack on Iran by the United States and Israel, but Razani prefers to let his art speak for him.
—Charlie De Mar, CBS News, 3 Mar. 2026
The Patriots, under head coach Mike Vrabel and assistants Zak Kuhr, Terrell Williams and Scott Booker, prefer versatile safeties with the range to play the deep half of the field.
—Doug Kyed, Boston Herald, 3 Mar. 2026
Anchored by a veteran duo Hardaway and Brown have been the glue of that unit — a backcourt duo that Adelman has intentionally kept out of the starting lineup, preferring to pair them off the bench even when injuries created openings.
—Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 2 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for prefer
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prefer
Verb
-
Fans are going to like its mix of classic vibes on the 10 originals and one very wicked cover song.—
Peter Larsen,
Daily News,
26 Feb. 2026
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Might his need to be liked by everyone conflict with his job’s more impersonal responsibilities?—
Ben Travers,
IndieWire,
25 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Having support outside the education system to flag early reading difficulties is a step in the right direction, but choosing the right screening tool is key, said Devin Kearns, an early literacy professor at North Carolina State University.—
MAKIYA SEMINERA THE ASSOCIATED PRESS,
Arkansas Online,
1 Mar. 2026
-
The jurists would need to choose a successor who meets the qualifications stipulated in the constitution.—
Abbas Al Lawati,
CNN Money,
1 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Both experts recommended sticking only to high-quality fresh or pasteurized eggs and enjoying Italian coffee in moderation.—
Eleesha Lockett,
Verywell Health,
27 Feb. 2026
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The protests in Nepal last year revealed the extent of young people’s frustration with corruption and a lack of opportunity in the country, where around a fifth of young adults are unemployed, but where the children of the political elite seem to enjoy luxury lifestyles and numerous advantages.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
27 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
All products featured on Vogue are independently selected by our editors.—
Talia Abbas,
Vogue,
28 Feb. 2026
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All listings featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
27 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Talarico’s events were packed and disparate, while Crockett favored the viral moment.—
Philip Elliott,
Time,
4 Mar. 2026
-
Congressional district maps were redrawn in 2023, creating new boundaries for the 8th District that heavily favor Republicans.—
Rebecca Noel,
Charlotte Observer,
4 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
But someone had the idea that a congressional committee ought to pick some stuff to be locked up in the Centennial Safe before it was closed again, to be reopened at the Tricentennial, in 2076.—
Jill Lepore,
New Yorker,
2 Mar. 2026
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At the show, the robot demonstrated fluid, human-like agility, picking itself up, navigating the stage smoothly, and moving its torso and head with natural precision.—
Chris Young,
Interesting Engineering,
2 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Trump wants Iran to completely halt its enrichment of uranium and roll back both its long-range missile program and its support for regional armed groups.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
27 Feb. 2026
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Texans who want to celebrate can find everything from historic reenactments to chili cook-offs and live music.—
Fousia Abdullahi,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
27 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Prefer.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prefer. Accessed 4 Mar. 2026.
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