Synonyms of preference

preference

noun

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

• favorite
• darling
• speed
• pet
• cup of tea
• fave
• minion
• beloved
• dear
• treasure
• sweetheart
• prize
• jewel

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• anathema
• abomination
• bugbear
• bête noire

2

as in liking

positive regard for something

a preference for cool weather

Synonyms & Similar Words

• liking
• like
• appetite
• taste
• use
• love
• craving
• tendency
• fondness
• enthusiasm
• partiality
• desire
• favor
• love affair
• relish
• thirst
• interest
• fancy
• bias
• longing
• shine
• inclination
• prejudice
• propensity
• weakness
• passion
• yen
• gusto
• tooth
• palate
• hankering
• bent
• leaning

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• hatred
• dislike
• disgust
• distaste
• aversion
• loathing
• disfavor
• indifference
• apathy
• disinclination
• mislike
• unconcern

3

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

• option
• choice
• alternative
• way
• selection
• liberty
• discretion
• pick
• election
• vote
• volition
• druthers
• determination
• will
• liking
• predilection
• free will
• say
• voice
• inclination
• tendency
• propensity
• penchant
• proclivity
• partiality
• judgment
• discernment
• perspicacity

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• force
• coercion
• duty
• obligation
• duress
• Hobson's choice

4

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

• promotion
• advancement
• rise
• ascent
• creation
• upgrading
• elevation
• preferment
• upgrade
• magnification
• aggrandizement
• glorification
• exaltation
• ennoblement

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• reduction
• degradation
• removal
• downgrade
• demotion
• dismissal
• suspension
• discharge
• deposition
• abasement
• expulsion
• impeachment
• overthrow
• comedown
• ouster
• disrating
• fall
• downfall
• dethronement
• unseating
• unmaking

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

Recent Examples of preference

An endorsement in this race could signal a preference for either the insurgent progressive wing of the party or for the more moderate establishment. — Maxwell Adler, Vanity Fair, 29 July 2026

Treatments blend rare organic products and ingredients, a mix of innovative and traditional techniques, and a holistic, 360-degree approach to well-being—and can all be adapted to personal preferences. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 July 2026

Every administration has its own policy agenda and preferences, but this goes beyond that, subjugating science to partisanship and holding research and infrastructure money hostage throughout much of the country. — David A. Graham, The Atlantic, 28 July 2026

Studies have shown that mosquitoes often show a consistent preference for some people more than others, often to a considerable degree. — Faith Wakefield, USA Today, 27 July 2026