PREFERENCE Synonyms: 127 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the noun 'preference' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of preference are alternative , choice , election , option , and selection . While all these words mean "the act or opportunity of choosing or the thing chosen," preference suggests a choice guided by one's judgment or predilections. // a preference for cool weather

Q: When is it sensible to use 'alternative' instead of 'preference'?

The words alternative and preference can be used in similar contexts, but alternative implies a need to choose one and reject another possibility. // equally attractive alternatives

Q: In what contexts can 'choice' take the place of 'preference'?

The meanings of choice and preference largely overlap; however, choice suggests the opportunity or privilege of choosing freely. // freedom of choice

Q: When is 'election' a more appropriate choice than 'preference'?

While in some cases nearly identical to preference , election implies an end or purpose which requires exercise of judgment. // doing a tax return forces certain elections on you

Q: When can 'option' be used instead of 'preference'?

Although the words option and preference have much in common, option implies a power to choose that is specifically granted or guaranteed. // the option of paying now or later

Q: When would 'selection' be a good substitute for 'preference'?

The words selection and preference are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, selection implies a range of choice. // a varied selection of furniture

preference

noun

ˈpre-fərn(t)s

Definition of preference

as in favorite

a person or thing that is preferred over others my preference is soul music

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in liking

positive regard for something a preference for cool weather

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in option

the power, right, or opportunity to choose he was promised his preference when the time came to repaint his bedroom

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in promotion

a raising or a state of being raised to a higher rank or position a long-sought preference to the position of naval commander

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun preference contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of preference are alternative, choice, election, option, and selection. While all these words mean "the act or opportunity of choosing or the thing chosen," preference suggests a choice guided by one's judgment or predilections.

a preference for cool weather

When is it sensible to use alternative instead of preference?

The words alternative and preference can be used in similar contexts, but alternative implies a need to choose one and reject another possibility.

equally attractive alternatives

In what contexts can choice take the place of preference?

The meanings of choice and preference largely overlap; however, choice suggests the opportunity or privilege of choosing freely.

freedom of choice

When is election a more appropriate choice than preference?

While in some cases nearly identical to preference, election implies an end or purpose which requires exercise of judgment.

doing a tax return forces certain elections on you

When can option be used instead of preference?

Although the words option and preference have much in common, option implies a power to choose that is specifically granted or guaranteed.

the option of paying now or later

When would selection be a good substitute for preference?

The words selection and preference are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, selection implies a range of choice.

a varied selection of furniture

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 preference Researchers showed respondents two versions of the same video, one edited by a human, one by AI, without telling them which was which, and asked for a blind preference before revealing anything about how either was made. — Muhammad Usman Qamar, Forbes.com, 25 Sep. 2026 That means choosing a plan that aligns best with your daily habits, food preferences, and nutritional needs is most likely to set you up for success. — Lindsay Curtis, HEALTH, 25 Sep. 2026 Public participation is ranked second among the six policy provisions in shaping residents’ preferences. — Fengxiu Zhang, The Conversation, 25 Sep. 2026 Taste is ultimately subjective, which is why Reigler’s advice to start with an affordable bottle and use it to discover your preferences may be the most useful tip of all. — Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 25 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for preference

Recent Examples of Synonyms for preference

Noun

The Eagles are betting favorites to beat the Bears in Week 3.

— Tom Ignudo, CBS News, 28 Sep. 2026
Zesta Saltine Crackers Zesta’s Saltine Crackers was not a favorite of testers, putting it near the bottom of the list.

— Jenna Sims, Southern Living, 28 Sep. 2026

Definition of favorite

Noun

Content creator Josh Lora, also known as @tellthebees, posted on TikTok that people are trying to rewrite the reality of professionalism to their liking—and that those who bring coffee into an interview won’t get the job.

— Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 23 Sep. 2026
Through circumstance and timing, DeSantis has used appointments to drastically shape Florida politics — and its judiciary — to his liking, gifting allies the levers of power and the benefit of incumbency.

— Zoe Millán, Miami Herald, 16 Sep. 2026

Definition of liking

Noun

Gaston remembered being on Long Island for the chain’s first-ever special promotion, 1984’s Lobsterfest.

— Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 1 Oct. 2026
Troutman is charged with conspiracy to possess narcotics with intent to distribute, Hobbs Act extortion under color of official right and racketeering promotion.

— Sofia Saric, Miami Herald, 1 Oct. 2026

Definition of promotion

Noun

On a much less human scale, at least for now, another argument that some people feel is broken is artificial intelligence, or superintelligence as Trump likes to call it.

— Dominic Patten, Deadline, 30 Sep. 2026
To prepare its responses, the Edits Assistant takes into account various data points, including follows, shares, likes, views, video retention, comments on your posts, and audience preferences.

— Jibin Joseph, PC Magazine, 30 Sep. 2026

Definition of like

Noun

Intentional design choices leave the coat tailored in all the right spots, like around the shoulders and sleeves.

— Irene Richardson, InStyle, 29 Sep. 2026
Jones said the new options will give Alaska a range of premium choices, from the honeymoon splurge to repeat Hawaii visitors looking for a step-up from coach.

— Leslie Josephs, CNBC, 29 Sep. 2026

Definition of choice

Noun

And politicians began debating whether legislation is needed to rein in an industry that is racing against China and expected to drive enormous profits and technological advancements.

— Brittany Shammas, CNN Money, 28 Sep. 2026
Some analysts warn of a pathway called recursive self-improvement, in which AI becomes increasingly effective at training itself, eliciting a cycle of rapid advancement.

— Max Zahn, ABC News, 28 Sep. 2026

Definition of advancement

Noun

But with public debt rising and budgets already under strain, governments have little appetite for adding another enormous bill to the public ledger.

— Stephanie Walton, Fortune, 29 Sep. 2026
The government, unable and unwilling to check their most voracious citizens and appetites, failed to tame the frontier.

— J. B. MacKinnon, Harpers Magazine, 29 Sep. 2026

Definition of appetite

Browse Nearby Words

preferably

preference

preferences

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“Preference.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/preference. Accessed 2 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of preference

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