Synonyms of prefer

prefer

verb

pri-ˈfər 

1

as in to like

to show partiality toward

I generally prefer chocolate ice cream over vanilla

Synonyms & Similar Words

• like
• enjoy
• choose
• favor
• want
• pick
• care (for)
• go in for
• lean (toward or towards)
• select
• appreciate
• relish
• adore
• desire
• fancy
• crave
• dig
• cotton (to)
• admire
• wish (for)
• take
• delight (in)
• be partial to
• tend (to)
• bias
• name
• single (out)
• covet
• revel (in)
• handpick
• prejudice
• cull
• cherish
• groove (on)
• incline (toward)
• value
• treasure
• prize
• hanker (for or after)

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• dislike
• hate
• loathe
• refuse
• detest
• abhor
• reject
• decline
• mislike
• turn down
• discard
• disfavor
• abominate
• jettison
• throw away
• throw out

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

• choose
• select
• pick
• take
• elect
• name
• designate
• opt (for)
• tag
• single (out)
• cull
• handpick
• cherry-pick
• nominate
• accept
• adopt
• appoint
• embrace
• tap
• preselect
• tab
• mark
• set
• espouse
• settle (on or upon)
• fix

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• refuse
• reject
• decline
• turn down
• disapprove
• negative
• repudiate
• discard
• spurn
• throw away
• throw out
• jettison

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of prefer

Keep scrolling to see who chooses a more extensive approach to their skin-care regimen, and who prefers a streamlined, less-is-more plan of action. —Kaleigh Fasanella, Allure, 31 Mar. 2026

Focus on Healthy Sources of Protein Plant proteins like beans, nuts, and seeds are preferred over meat. —Emily Kay Votruba, EverydayHealth.com, 31 Mar. 2026

For fans who prefer a non-spicy sandwich, the changes have also been applied to the chain's Classic Chicken Sandwich. —Gabe Hauari, USA Today, 31 Mar. 2026

Great white sharks frequently travel north in the summer and south in the winter, a habit experts suspect has to do with preferring more temperate waters. —Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 31 Mar. 2026