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

Recent Examples of Synonyms for preference
Noun
  • Glen Grant’s whisky has been a favorite of specialty bottlers like Gordon & MacPhail, Signatory, and Duncan Taylor, among others.
    Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • The movie brings back several old favorites — including Velociraptors, Dilophosaurus and a T. rex from the original — before unleashing this fresh monstrosity on the handful of characters who make it to the end.
    Peter Debruge, Variety, 30 June 2025
Noun
  • From Oahu to Kauai, there are plenty of elopement planners, photographers, and unique venues that will tailor your celebration to your liking.
    Shelby Wax, Vogue, 24 June 2025
  • As if there wasn’t already enough change afoot in the world for Agnes’ liking, Ada is now the lady of the Van Rhijn household, creating serious confusion for the staff.
    Andy Swift, TVLine, 22 June 2025
Noun
  • Miami's Kyle Stowers could be an option, too, but the asking price for Benintendi (who has a .744 OPS for the year) would be much lower.
    Zach Pressnell, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 July 2025
  • If finding indoor shelter is not an option: Avoid open fields, hill peaks, or ridge tops.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 1 July 2025
Noun
  • These are used to target you with aggressive refinancing offers, alarm system ads, or moving service promotions.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 30 June 2025
  • These are murky waters, especially when performance, promotion, and compensation are on the line.
    David Ferrucci, Fortune, 30 June 2025
Noun
  • The tournament features over 80 athletes and celebrities, including the likes of Josh Allen, Davante Adams, John Smoltz, Grant Hill and Matthew Tkachuk.
    DJ Siddiqi, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • Over the years, Venturini Fendi has worked with designers on several collections, building a relationship with the likes of Cristina Celestino, Chiara Andreatti and Peter Mabeo, always with research in mind.
    Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 1 July 2025
Noun
  • Fox’s lips were painted in a gray-nude glossy shade, a neutral choice to complement her pale, even-toned base.
    Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 1 July 2025
  • His sons’ career choices mirrored their father’s: Louis, the oldest, named after his dad, went into the Navy.
    Belinda Luscombe, Time, 1 July 2025
Noun
  • The research could lead to advancements in formulating pharmaceuticals, among other applications.
    Robert Z. Pearlman, Space.com, 28 June 2025
  • These advancements can lead to better support experiences, stronger internal knowledge sharing and more responsive service.
    Marc Scheipe, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025
Noun
  • His eyes have cleared, and his appetite is growing.
    Alice Gibbs, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 July 2025
  • As someone who’s witnessed the growing appetite for ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance)-friendly buildings, this move feels like a step backward.
    Allen Buchanan, Oc Register, 5 July 2025
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.

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Cite this Entry

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

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