preference

1 a person or thing that is preferred over others my preference is soul music Synonyms darling, fave, minion, pet, favorite, speedRelated Words beloved, dear, sweetheart; jewel, prize, treasureNear Antonyms abomination, anathema, bête noire, bugbear

2 positive regard for something a preference for cool weather Synonyms appetite, fancy, favor, fondness, like, love, love affair, partiality, liking, relish, shine, taste, useRelated Words craving, desire, hankering, longing, thirst, yen; enthusiasm, gusto, interest, passion; bias, prejudice; bent, inclination, leaning, propensity, tendency; tooth; palate; weaknessNear Antonyms apathy, disinclination; indifference, unconcernAntonyms aversion, disfavor, disgust, dislike, distaste, hatred, loathing, mislike

3 the power, right, or opportunity to choose he was promised his preference when the time came to repaint his bedroom Synonyms alternative, discretion, druthers [dialect], election, liberty, option, pick, choice, selection, volition, wayRelated Words determination, free will, will; say, voice, vote; inclination, liking, partiality, penchant, predilection, proclivity, propensity, tendency; discernment, judgment (or judgement), perspicacityNear Antonyms coercion, duress, force; duty, obligation; Hobson's choice

4 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 ascent, creation, elevation, advancement, preferment, promotion, rise, upgrade, upgradingRelated Words aggrandizement, ennoblement, exaltation, glorification, magnificationNear Antonyms deposition, dethronement, discharge, dismissal, expulsion, impeachment, ouster, overthrow, removal, suspension, unmaking, unseating; downfall, fallAntonyms abasement, comedown, degradation, demotion, disrating, downgrade, reduction