PREFERENCE Synonyms: 127 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

preference

noun

ˈpre-fərn(t)s

Definition of preference

as in favorite

a person or thing that is preferred over others my preference is soul music

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in liking

positive regard for something a preference for cool weather

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 While water bottle preferences are deeply personal, packing one is a universal essential. — Abbey Hudetz, Travel + Leisure, 7 July 2026 Kansas City singles showed a strong preference for Latino and Latina soccer fans. — Lisa Gutierrez july 7, Kansas City Star, 7 July 2026 Republican Matthew Harper and no party preference candidate Frank Wagoner also ran in the primary. — Kaitlyn Schallhorn, Oc Register, 7 July 2026 With hundreds of shades, finishes, and opacities to choose from, the nail polish for you really comes down to preference. — Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 7 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for preference

Recent Examples of Synonyms for preference

Noun

Now England, one of the World Cup title favorites, will face Norway, one of the tournament’s surprise teams that upset Brazil, in a tournament quarterfinal to be played on July 11 in Miami.

— Eduard Cauich, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
Walk the rows, clip your favorites and take home a custom bouquet.

— Melissa Oyler, Charlotte Observer, 6 July 2026

Definition of favorite

Noun

This affordable option packs a surprising amount of organizing power into one compact bag.

— Jeaneen Russell, PEOPLE, 7 July 2026
If an island getaway is favored, there are plenty of options across the globe to choose from, all with pristine beaches and seaside charm.

— Travel + Leisure Editors, Travel + Leisure, 7 July 2026

Definition of option

Noun

Anderson also faces a charge of possession, promotion, or production of certain visual material depicting a child, which is a state jail felony.

— Fousia Abdullahi, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 July 2026
Budweiser's free beer promotion for America's 250th and its own 150th anniversary quickly exhausted its initial $150,000 budget, disappointing many.

— Pamela N. Danziger, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026

Definition of promotion

Noun

Since Beckham uploaded a photo of the two former antagonists on his Instagram feed on Monday, the post has garnered nearly 220,000 likes.

— Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 10 July 2026
This one -- as hundreds of users on TikTok and Instagram have shown in the last week -- starts with half of a watermelon that's been scooped to create a bowl-like indent and frozen overnight.

— Kelly McCarthy, ABC News, 10 July 2026

Definition of like

Noun

Brent Stubbs, the facility’s chief administrative officer, compared the advanced tech to construction equipment, washing machines and other advancements that revolutionized human labor.

— AJ Willingham, AJC.com, 6 July 2026
Explore the universe with news on fascinating discoveries, scientific advancements and more.

— Jackie Wattles, CNN Money, 6 July 2026

Definition of advancement

Noun

Wang said that Silicon Valley has lost some of its appetite for founders who build hardware products, shunning the longer development cycles and less return upside, compared with AI applications, as well as inevitable supply chain hurdles.

— Anniek Bao, CNBC, 8 July 2026
Local advocates are pushing prefab even further, pitching off‑grid cottage villages powered by solar and advanced water recycling — an affordable, sustainable vision that may test Altadena’s appetite for denser housing.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2026

Definition of appetite

Browse Nearby Words

preferably

preference

preferences

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Style

“Preference.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/preference. Accessed 12 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of preference

noun

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