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.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of prefer
The Boone Greenway, a paved and fully accessible trail system, winds through town for those who prefer to explore by foot or bike.
—
Carrie Honaker, Travel + Leisure, 15 Aug. 2025
The 90-year-old retirement program is so popular that the vast majority of politicians prefer to tolerate the deteriorating status quo rather than jeopardize their political futures by insisting on reforms.
—Editorial, Boston Herald, 15 Aug. 2025
Myers-Briggs data shows that 56.8% of people worldwide prefer introversion.
—Caroline Castrillon, Forbes.com, 5 Aug. 2025
Folks who prefer savory to sweet can order a breakfast sandwich on a homemade biscuit or Italian bread, but everyone has to add at least one Apple Ugly to their order.
—Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 5 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for prefer
Carrie Honaker, Travel + Leisure, 15 Aug. 2025
The 90-year-old retirement program is so popular that the vast majority of politicians prefer to tolerate the deteriorating status quo rather than jeopardize their political futures by insisting on reforms.
—Editorial, Boston Herald, 15 Aug. 2025
Myers-Briggs data shows that 56.8% of people worldwide prefer introversion.
—Caroline Castrillon, Forbes.com, 5 Aug. 2025
Folks who prefer savory to sweet can order a breakfast sandwich on a homemade biscuit or Italian bread, but everyone has to add at least one Apple Ugly to their order.
—Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 5 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for prefer
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prefer
Verb
-
Guardiola likes his wingers to possess elite one-v-one qualities and tends to prefer his wingers to come inside onto their stronger foot, a combination which marries Bobb’s profile perfectly.—
Jordan Campbell,
New York Times,
16 Aug. 2025
-
His mother was one of the most cultured people like ever in American social history.—
Leah Asmelash,
CNN Money,
16 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
In 2020, 63 percent chose Joe Biden, according to AP VoteCast.—
Martha McHardy,
MSNBC Newsweek,
15 Aug. 2025
-
Merkley ultimately chose to close the camp after someone who seemingly did not live there fired a gunshot near a camp resident's tent the morning of July 25, according to police.—
Jordan Smith,
IndyStar,
15 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
Much of that is down to the American ingratiating himself after saying a couple of phrases in Catalan, enjoying a beer with supporters outside the stadium, and getting behind the players inside it.—
Henry Flynn,
Forbes.com,
20 Aug. 2025
-
Dine-in customers nationwide had the option to enjoy endless boneless wings and fries for $19.99, and the deal allowed use of brand's 26 sauces and dry rubs.—
Anthony Robledo,
USA Today,
20 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
The Associated Press released its preseason All-American team, and the Texas Longhorns and Penn State Nittany Lions led the way with three players each selected to the first team.—
Lawrence Dow,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
18 Aug. 2025
-
The Birthday Bourbon comes from 210 rare and aged barrels from one day’s production, dating back to April 5, 2013, and they were selected by Master Distiller Emeritus Chris Morris and Assistant Master Distiller Caleb Trigo.—
Amanda Hancock,
The Courier-Journal,
18 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
CFOs and CEOs who accelerate workforce learning favor transparent environments defined by knowledge-sharing, networking, collaboration, broad employee participation and engagement, and team learning.—
Jim DeLoach,
Forbes.com,
13 Aug. 2025
-
Ahmed’s character — who goes by many different names and doesn’t even speak until a solid 30 minutes into the film — favors old school technology for most of his communications.—
Kate Erbland,
IndieWire,
13 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
Ramos' grandmother picked him up one night, and deputies drove him there the next night.—
JIM VERTUNO AND JOHN SEEWER THE ASSOCIATED PRESS,
Arkansas Online,
13 Aug. 2025
-
In June, blueberry season begins, and guests can use their $10 entry fee to pick and take home organic blueberries.—
Tara Massouleh McCay,
Southern Living,
13 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
Stores want to build community as well as sell books Can two romance bookstores that close together live happily ever after?—
Jim Higgins,
jsonline.com,
23 Aug. 2025
-
Before cutting rates, Powell has said, officials want to ensure tariffs amount to a one-time bump to inflation and don’t raise Americans’ inflation expectations in ways that ripple through the economy.—
Cheryl V. Jackson,
IndyStar,
23 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Prefer.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prefer. Accessed 26 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share