Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
×

Thesaurus

preference

noun

Synonyms and Antonyms of preference

1 a person or thing that is preferred over others
  • My preference is soul music.
Synonyms of preference

darling, fave, favorite, minion, pet, speed
Words Related to preference

beloved, dear, sweetheart

jewel, prize, treasure
Phrases Synonymous with preference

cup of tea
Near Antonyms of preference

abomination, anathema, bête noire, bugbear
2 positive regard for something
  • a preference for cool weather
Synonyms of preference

appetite, fancy, favor, fondness, like, liking, love, love affair, partiality, relish, shine, taste, use
Words Related to preference

craving, desire, hankering, longing, thirst, yen

enthusiasm, gusto, interest, passion

bias, prejudice

bent, inclination, leaning, propensity, tendency

tooth

palate

weakness
Near Antonyms of preference

apathy, disinclination

indifference, unconcern
Antonyms of preference

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 of preference

alternative, choice, discretion, druthers [dialect], election, liberty, option, pick, selection, volition, way
Words Related to preference

determination, free will, will

say, voice, vote

inclination, liking, partiality, penchant, predilection, proclivity, propensity, tendency

discernment, judgment (or judgement), perspicacity
Near Antonyms of preference

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 of preference

advancement, ascent, creation, elevation, preferment, promotion, rise, upgrade, upgrading
Words Related to preference

aggrandizement, ennoblement, exaltation, glorification, magnification
Near Antonyms of preference

deposition, dethronement, discharge, dismissal, expulsion, impeachment, ouster, overthrow, removal, suspension, unmaking, unseating

downfall, fall
Antonyms of preference

abasement, comedown, degradation, demotion, downgrade, reduction

Synonym Discussion of preference

choice, option, alternative, preference, selection, election mean the act or opportunity of choosing or the thing chosen. choice suggests the opportunity or privilege of choosing freely.
    • freedom of choice
option implies a power to choose that is specifically granted or guaranteed.
    • the option of paying now or later
alternative implies a need to choose one and reject another possibility.
    • equally attractive alternatives
preference suggests a choice guided by one's judgment or predilections.
    • a preference for cool weather
selection implies a range of choice.
    • a varied selection of furniture
election implies an end or purpose which requires exercise of judgment.
    • doing a tax return forces certain elections on you

Learn More about preference

  1. See words that rhyme with preference Dictionary: Definition of preference Spanish Central: Translation of preference Nglish: Translation of preference for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of preference for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about preference

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up preference? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show hide

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games