preference

ˈpre-fərn(t)s
Definition of preferencenext
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 Market dynamics, consumer preferences, manufacturing considerations, and pricing strategies can all influence how products are formulated and positioned. Nia Bowers, USA Today, 18 June 2026 People who choose freebirth often cite reasons including a desire for greater autonomy during childbirth, negative experiences with the healthcare system, religious or philosophical beliefs or a preference for an entirely unmedicated birth experience. Samantha Stutsman, PEOPLE, 18 June 2026 The cushioned insole provides welcome comfort throughout the day, and the wide range of color combinations offers something for nearly every style preference. Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 18 June 2026 Democrats and Republicans are far away from each other on policy preferences, issue positions and culture. Charlie Hunt, The Conversation, 18 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for preference
Recent Examples of Synonyms for preference
Noun
  • Argentina is a minus-255 favorite, according to ESPN, meaning a bettor would have to wager $255 to win $100.
    The Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 17 June 2026
  • The match became even more important after Spain, the heavy favorite to win Group H and a contender to win tournament, tied Cape Verde 0-0 in the earlier match, leaving the group lead up for grabs.
    Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 16 June 2026
Noun
  • They’re affiliated with Mural Arts Philadelphia, the organization that partners with the Eagles to stage this annual event, and one of the men next to Sirianni apparently places his arm around Sirianni’s torso a bit too low for the coach’s liking.
    Michael Silver, New York Times, 16 June 2026
  • The 2026 car is much more to Hamilton’s liking.
    Jonathan M. Gitlin, ArsTechnica, 15 June 2026
Noun
  • Global economies have already weighed energy options beyond the Middle East, as the war in Iran has put irreversible pressure on the oil industry, according to Karen Young, a researcher at Columbia University.
    Deva Lee, CNN Money, 22 June 2026
  • For shoppers who aren’t on board with the barrel trend, this daisy print option offers a more streamlined version.
    Mia McManus, PEOPLE, 22 June 2026
Noun
  • Henderson Silver Knights coach Ryan Craig is the only coach who has been with the organization from Day 1, and could be in line for the ultimate promotion.
    Jesse Granger, New York Times, 16 June 2026
  • An individual used a promotion for a 5% discount off their fare, but the price to get to The Grove was actually about 50 cents higher than that of those who didn't receive a discount.
    Kristine Lazar, CBS News, 16 June 2026
Noun
  • This has been a theme with AEW, which has seen the likes of Cody Rhodes, CM Punk, Penta, Ricky Saints, Jade Cargill and now Danhausen achieve career-defining success in AEW’s wake.
    Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 21 June 2026
  • This usually centers on the likes of Jefferson and his local, agrarian ideal; James Madison and his counterbalancing factions; Alexander Hamilton and his distrust of the common people.
    Jesse Wegman, The Atlantic, 20 June 2026
Noun
  • Park conditions change constantly and visitors' choice of activities and level of preparedness are big factors in determining risk.
    Kathleen Wong, USA Today, 22 June 2026
  • Bad choices like that are a through-line for this whole story, all the way back to Otto Hightower encouraging his daughter, Alicent, to befriend Rhaenyra’s father, King Viserys.
    Sean T. Collins, Vulture, 22 June 2026
Noun
  • Audit your current succession planning process this quarter and implement a mechanism that allows employees to self-nominate for advancement opportunities, ensuring that career trajectories are shaped by direct employee input rather than managerial assumptions.
    Julie Kratz, Forbes.com, 21 June 2026
  • Explore the universe with news on fascinating discoveries, scientific advancements and more.
    Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 19 June 2026
Noun
  • Symptoms of khat toxicity include delusions, loss of appetite, difficulty breathing, and increased blood pressure and heart rate.
    Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 18 June 2026
  • This first patient had fever, headaches, muscle pain, malaise, loss of appetite, diarrhea and abdominal pain, among other symptoms.
    Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 16 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Preference.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/preference. Accessed 24 Jun. 2026.

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