preference

ˈpre-fərn(t)s
1
as in favorite
a person or thing that is preferred over others my preference is soul music

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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 Strong interest from Brazil’s Palmeiras had a certain appeal — Paraguay team-mates Ramon Sosa and Gustavo Gomez, who captains club and country, are with the Sao Paulo side — but the preference, for Enciso and his camp, was to remain in Europe. Andy Naylor, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2025 Some clients come in with a host of color ideas and preferences, but Mitchell was open to suggestions, Broekman said. Jackie Charniga, USA Today, 4 Sep. 2025 If proven at scale, this flexibility could enable mass individualization — cars built to order, phones customized for unique handling preferences. Tejasri Gururaj, Interesting Engineering, 4 Sep. 2025 However, that’s a personal preference; this is a two-way tie. PC Magazine, 4 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for preference
Recent Examples of Synonyms for preference
Noun
  • The film started out as one of season’s hot favorites, garnering a near-record 13 nominations, including in the Best International Feature Film category.
    Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 10 Sep. 2025
  • Drugstore favorites include La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt-In Milk and CeraVe Hydrating Mineral.
    Mary Catherine McAnnally Scott, Southern Living, 10 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • It’s established right away that Ziva and Tony are friendly but romantically estranged co-parents who’ve found Europe to their mutual liking, but the exact nature of how their relationship changed over the last few years reveals itself in copious flashbacks.
    Chris Willman, Variety, 4 Sep. 2025
  • Nix took some of the advice and then molded it into a schedule tailored to his liking.
    Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 31 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • The service will display the activities of not just stock traders, but also of those trading crypto, options and other assets.
    Jeff John Roberts, Fortune, 10 Sep. 2025
  • The iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max will be made available in Deep Blue, Cosmic Orange, and Silver color options.
    Prakhar Khanna, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • So, Hilleary will be in the odd position of facing a significant pay cut for getting a big promotion on Capitol Hill.
    David Mark, The Washington Examiner, 12 Sep. 2025
  • During one promotion, the Front Door Protection System was available for 60% off (bringing the price down to $279).
    John R. Delaney, PC Magazine, 11 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The likes of Kyle MacLachlan and Linda Evangelista, Francis Ford Coppola, Steven Meisel, and the late Bill Cunningham are emerging from the Marc Jacobs show.
    Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 11 Sep. 2025
  • Still, Carney’s lyrical piece, a sort of prose poem-flash fiction hybrid, written from the point of view of an unborn baby, illustrates a womb space at once protective and cage-like.
    Manuel Muñoz, Literary Hub, 11 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • This grew far beyond the typical choice routes coming out of the backfield.
    Jacob Robinson, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2025
  • Red twig dogwood Red twig dogwood is another great choice.
    Chris McKeown, Cincinnati Enquirer, 6 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The top floors of the museum are dedicated to African American culture and the pivotal role Black Americans have played in everything from music and literature to technological advancements and the military.
    Christopher Cann, USA Today, 6 Sep. 2025
  • But the parade, commemorating the end of World War II, was undoubtedly intended to telegraph the rapid advancement of the world’s largest military, and signal Xi’s growing ability to project hard power on the world stage.
    Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 6 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • But the new leadership team, headed by Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA), all voted against the House’s 2021 AUMF repeal bill and did not have an appetite to bring it up last year.
    Rachel Schilke, The Washington Examiner, 10 Sep. 2025
  • Located right next to the fabric center is The Depot Deli, ideal for those who might work up an appetite while shopping.
    Olivia Lee, Charlotte Observer, 9 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Preference.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/preference. Accessed 12 Sep. 2025.

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