PREFER Synonyms: 77 Similar and Opposite Words

prefer

verb

pri-ˈfər

Definition of prefer

as in to like

to show partiality toward I generally prefer chocolate ice cream over vanilla

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of prefer In the country’s year-round hot climate, most prefer fruit for dessert. — Colette Davidson, Christian Science Monitor, 22 Aug. 2026 Or make your toilet more accessible While most little ones feel more comfortable starting out on a potty, some might actually prefer using a regular toilet like everyone else. — Bestreviews, Mercury News, 21 Aug. 2026 Fans who prefer when teams do not try to win, and when billionaire owners pocket more profits instead of signing players. — Ian Miller Outkick, FOXNews.com, 21 Aug. 2026 The Eagles would prefer that Hunt not lead the team in interceptions again. — Brooks Kubena, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for prefer

Recent Examples of Synonyms for prefer

Verb

Right now the only person who likes Heather is Carmella, and that’s because Heather is throwing some work Carmella’s way and trying to find a law school apartment for her daughter Cat.

— Brian Moylan, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2026
Nvidia reported blowout financial results on Wednesday , giving Wall Street analysts even more reasons to like its stock.

— Liz Napolitano, CNBC, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of like

Verb

Rage cycling sessions, anxiety yoga and dozens of similar fitness initiatives have gained traction in recent years, inviting people to choose workout classes based on experiences and emotions.

— Sneha Dhandapani, CNN Money, 25 Aug. 2026
Do not state that the charity the person has chosen is low on your list of priorities.

— Abigail Van Buren, Mercury News, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of choose

Verb

Opponents argue that the nation that won its independence from Denmark in 1944 enjoys all the benefits of European integration with no drawbacks.

— ABC News, ABC News, 24 Aug. 2026
North and South America will enjoy the best views, with observers able to follow the entire eclipse from beginning to end overnight.

— Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 2026

Definition of enjoy

Verb

But Mansoor Delane, who the Chiefs traded up to select, was limited for much of training camp with a shoulder injury and missed the first preseason game.

— Jeff Fedotin, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 2026
Lamb, 27, who was selected by the Cowboys in the first round of the 2020 NFL draft, was at training camp with the team in Oxnard, California, at the time of the burglary.

— Marlene Lenthang, NBC news, 23 Aug. 2026

Definition of select

Verb

For those looking to visually elongate a round face, Sánchez favors a side part over a center part.

— Laura Solla, Vogue, 24 Aug. 2026
The name of the game is an energetic wine list favoring biodynamic and natural wines, snacks, cocktails and… ice cream.

— The Bon Appétit Staff, Bon Appetit Magazine, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of favor

Verb

The league also wants to make players eligible for the Rule 5 draft earlier in their careers.

— Evan Drellich, New York Times, 28 Aug. 2026
Hammack voted to raise rates at the Fed’s last meeting in July, but she was outvoted by fellow members of the Federal Open Market Committee who wanted to keep them steady.

— Brian Cheung, NBC news, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of want

Browse Nearby Words

prefatory

prefer

preferably

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Prefer.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prefer. Accessed 30 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of prefer

verb

Example Sentences

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