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

The city’s first street food market appeases the vast spectrum of palates and preferences, from vegans' to meat-lovers', by featuring ten culinary traders who specialize in ethnic fare from Greece to the bayous of Louisiana. — Paul Jebara, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 Aug. 2026

In one confidential research engagement involving first-time pet owners, his team looked beyond straightforward questions about product preference. — Connie Etemadi, Freep.com, 18 Aug. 2026

In the security domain, today’s challenges are real—threats to seize Greenland, to abandon Ukraine, to quit NATO, to pull forces from Germany, to tie Taiwanese arms sales to Beijing’s preferences. — Kurt M. Campbell, Foreign Affairs, 18 Aug. 2026

Their strong preference to age in place highlights home care's crucial role in long-term health, independence, and brain health. — Dr. Shaheena Janjuha-Jivraj, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026