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
Like the vaccines, those that would prefer not to drink fluoridated water have other options.
—
Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 17 Mar. 2026
Roll-to-roll coating methods are preferred in industry because the coatings are applied continuously to large rolls of a substrate material, such as paper or other biodegradable plastics.
—J. Carson Meredith, The Conversation, 17 Mar. 2026
Most people would seem to prefer keeping the clocks the same rather than changing them twice per year, but that’s where that unanimity ends.
—Boston Herald Editorial Staff, Boston Herald, 17 Mar. 2026
The Cowboys prefer to keep Smith at left guard.
—Joseph Hoyt, Dallas Morning News, 17 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for prefer
Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 17 Mar. 2026
Roll-to-roll coating methods are preferred in industry because the coatings are applied continuously to large rolls of a substrate material, such as paper or other biodegradable plastics.
—J. Carson Meredith, The Conversation, 17 Mar. 2026
Most people would seem to prefer keeping the clocks the same rather than changing them twice per year, but that’s where that unanimity ends.
—Boston Herald Editorial Staff, Boston Herald, 17 Mar. 2026
The Cowboys prefer to keep Smith at left guard.
—Joseph Hoyt, Dallas Morning News, 17 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for prefer
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prefer
Verb
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What does Lujano also like about soccer?—
Patrick Z. McGavin,
Chicago Tribune,
19 Mar. 2026
-
Texas has tightened up its defense at the rim against a smallish NC State squad that likes to drive to the cup.—
Thomas Jones,
Austin American Statesman,
18 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Hearing there may be more options to choose from on his way home is a delicious thought.—
Carmela Karcher,
CBS News,
21 Mar. 2026
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That has to be done in advance, and travelers also have to choose biometric screening in their airline apps.—
Shannon Bond,
NPR,
21 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Go paddleboarding on Lady Bird Lake, dive into the deep blue water at Barton Springs, and enjoy some breakfast tacos to complete the Austin trifecta.—
Alexis Simmerman,
Austin American Statesman,
21 Mar. 2026
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On Thursday, fans were packed inside Tom's Watch Bar on the North Shore, enjoying the mid-day celebration of postseason basketball.—
Josh Taylor,
CBS News,
20 Mar. 2026
Verb
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All listings featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
21 Mar. 2026
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All products featured on Vogue are independently selected by our editors.—
Jahnavi Rapaka,
Vogue,
21 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
December 22 – January 19 This afternoon favors careful words and precise timing.—
Tarot.com,
Chicago Tribune,
18 Mar. 2026
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Many other strategies exist, from being forced to reverse the argument of an essay to favor the other side, to interviewing strangers for an assignment and including their quotes.—
Gayle Rogers,
The Conversation,
17 Mar. 2026
Verb
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One couldn’t have picked a more beautiful place to host one of the most polluting industries.—
Noo Saro-Wiwa,
The Dial,
24 Mar. 2026
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The Oilers, the two-time defending conference champs, were picked by many to occupy the perch that the Ducks currently hold.—
Andrew Knoll,
Oc Register,
23 Mar. 2026
Verb
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After thousands of Iranian demonstrators were killed in a January crackdown, Shima Razavi Gacek wanted to keep alive her family's favorite springtime holiday traditions but didn't feel like throwing her annual house party with a roaring bonfire ahead of Nowruz -- the Persian New Year.—
AMY TAXIN,
Arkansas Online,
20 Mar. 2026
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The backstory Businessman Juan Rosa from Lanzarote opened the 7 Islas Hotel in Madrid in 2002, wanting to create a welcoming home away from home for Canary Islanders (the seven islands).—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
20 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Prefer.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prefer. Accessed 24 Mar. 2026.
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