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
  • He had been considered a pre-season favorite for the award in 2025.
    Dan Schlossberg, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2025
  • Who can resist the classic flavors of this childhood favorite?
    Mary Shannon Wells, Southern Living, 18 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Return the pan to the oven and cook 5 minutes more or until the cheese is melted and browned to your liking.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 5 Aug. 2025
  • Make sure to hit the selection of serious salsas to finish them off to your liking and grab a mezcal from the adjacent ReyRey bar.
    Matthew Odam, Austin American Statesman, 30 July 2025
Noun
  • To wit: If Anthony finishes first or second in Rookie of the Year voting, his salary from 2031-2033 goes up by $1 million each year, and the option increases by $2 million.
    Dan Freedman, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2025
  • Some people are also reluctant to inject themselves weekly, so taking the medication by mouth would be a welcome option.
    Alice Park, Time, 7 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Reggie’s resolve to fight against the rising tide inspires him to embark upon a harebrained scheme that involves con artistry and theatrical promotion.
    Vikram Murthi, IndieWire, 19 Aug. 2025
  • By monitoring this indicator, businesses can take preemptive measures, such as reallocating supply or adjusting promotions to temporarily reduce demand, which may mitigate the reputational or customer-dissatisfaction risks.
    Kim Bozzella, Forbes.com, 19 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Equally, many of the goods that Switzerland exports to the US, do not have competitors there (Swiss chocolate, watches and more importantly specialized industrial goods which are used by the likes of Boeing).
    Mike O'Sullivan, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2025
  • Analysts from the likes of JP Morgan, Deutsche Bank and investment bank Jefferies expressed some concern about the second half of the year, though, noting more discounting, high inventories and lagging consumer sentiment.
    Cathrin Schaer, Footwear News, 6 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • These customers learn the hard way in viral Tiktok Adults ordering from the kid's menu more The kids menu is also becoming a go-to choice for adult diners, according to the survey.
    Betty Lin-Fisher, USA Today, 20 Aug. 2025
  • Not surprisingly, Clemson vs. Texas (in a rematch of a first-round game last December) is our most popular choice for the national championship matchup, followed by an Ohio State-Texas rematch of their Week 1 showdown in Columbus.
    The Athletic College Football Staff, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • In a market grappling with shrinking margins and mounting energy scrutiny, the launch underscores that the sector’s next significant advancements may be forged in the open.
    Becca Bratcher, Forbes.com, 16 Aug. 2025
  • Seema gave thanks for the advancements made in gluten free baked goods, showing a strong willingness to adjust her expectations for pies and relationships in equal measure.
    Sandra Gonzalez, CNN Money, 15 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Investors with an appetite for lithium and other battery metals such as nickel and cobalt have been hoping for a recovery since prices started to collapse three years ago, eventually dragging lithium down by 80% and forcing mine closures around the world.
    Tim Treadgold, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2025
  • Ingredients in Kind’s GLP-1 Patches include berberine, pomegranate, and L-glutamine extract, all of which have been shown to aid in the production of GLP-1, a naturally occurring hormone that regulates appetite.
    Fortesa Latifi, Rolling Stone, 9 Aug. 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 22 Aug. 2025.

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