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

In the gleaming lobby, the brand’s signature scent—a warm and woody fragrance reminiscent of two of my favorites, Comme des Garçons’ Wonderwood and Odin New York’s 07 Tanoke—greeted me.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Sep. 2026
Moreno was a fan favorite among Birds in the Air viewers, and last week’s accident was a sobering reminder of how risky her line of work is.

— Anusha Praturu, Vulture, 21 Sep. 2026

Definition of favorite

Noun

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
If that isn’t enough sand for your liking, the hotel also offers private access to idyllic Doctor’s Cave Beach and its gentle surf.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Sep. 2026

Definition of liking

Noun

Granda added that Polymarket is also spending considerably more on promotions to acquire new customers, and the prediction market industry has become effectively a two-horse race that will see a handful of other players fighting for scraps.

— Jeff John Roberts, Fortune, 24 Sep. 2026
The chain had blamed the decline on launching too many promotions, plus inadequate customer service and its massive World Cup promotion failing to attract eaters.

— Jordan Valinsky, CNN Money, 24 Sep. 2026

Definition of promotion

Noun

Cage solved my next problem by insisting that the way to discover new things is to overcome our dependence on our likes and dislikes, those supposed pillars of criticism.

— Classical Music Critic, Los Angeles Times, 25 Sep. 2026
In keeping with The Traitors’ Clue-like aesthetic, casting specifically sought out applicants with jobs that slotted them into murder-mystery archetypes.

— Rebecca Alter, Vulture, 24 Sep. 2026

Definition of like

Noun

North of the Thai capital Bangkok, rice farmers like 55-year-old Boonmark Marksuuk are already facing tough choices.

— EDNA TARIGAN, Arkansas Online, 23 Sep. 2026
However, the inn isn’t soundproof and probably isn’t the best choice for families with children who are still waking throughout the night.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Sep. 2026

Definition of choice

Noun

But new aircraft deliveries and technological advancements are changing that.

— Chris Dong, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Sep. 2026
Based on my experience with large-scale technology projects and complex enterprise settings, a disconnect is growing between the pace of technological advancement and the regularity of governance evaluations.

— Ramachander Rao Thallada, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2026

Definition of advancement

Noun

Two companies in the AI ecosystem have delayed their IPOs, the latest sign that investor appetite for the trade is uneven at best.

— Rohan Goswami, semafor.com, 22 Sep. 2026
Sagittarius November 22 – December 21 Your appetite for solitude may be stronger than usual.

— Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 20 Sep. 2026

Definition of appetite

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preferably

preference

preferences

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Style

“Preference.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/preference. Accessed 29 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of preference

noun

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