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 An endorsement in this race could signal a preference for either the insurgent progressive wing of the party or for the more moderate establishment. — Maxwell Adler, Vanity Fair, 29 July 2026 Treatments blend rare organic products and ingredients, a mix of innovative and traditional techniques, and a holistic, 360-degree approach to well-being—and can all be adapted to personal preferences. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 July 2026 Every administration has its own policy agenda and preferences, but this goes beyond that, subjugating science to partisanship and holding research and infrastructure money hostage throughout much of the country. — David A. Graham, The Atlantic, 28 July 2026 Studies have shown that mosquitoes often show a consistent preference for some people more than others, often to a considerable degree. — Faith Wakefield, USA Today, 27 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for preference

Recent Examples of Synonyms for preference

Noun

Zidane will be counted on to lift the organization’s spirits after the national team, which was widely regarded as one of the favorites to win the title in North America, was bounced from the tournament by eventual winner Spain in the semifinals.

— Thomas Schlachter, CNN Money, 28 July 2026
And that the recent favorite of this game in Dublin has not only lost, but had a terrible year.

— Mac Engel July 28, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 July 2026

Definition of favorite

Noun

Jordan Dwyer will be leaned on to replace Eric McAlister as the go-to option after posting 730 yards and seven touchdowns in his debut season.

— Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 July 2026
While some of the options flows are getting more balanced between bulls and bears, the biggest single SpaceX trades of the day on Monday were neutral to bullish.

— Leonie Kidd, CNBC, 28 July 2026

Definition of option

Noun

Before opening, Thomas personally visited neighboring businesses throughout the plaza, encouraging them to offer promotions so visitors would support the entire shopping center rather than only Frosty Frogs.

— Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 26 July 2026
The promotion also used the broadcast to announce Salahdine Parnasse will make his UFC debut against Dan Hooker.

— Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 25 July 2026

Definition of promotion

Noun

Move Engagement Into Private Channels Don’t confuse fewer likes with less relevance or visibility.

— Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026
The video, which garnered hundreds of thousands of likes, was followed by her sharing updates about doctor’s appointments and her choice to pursue MAID over the next year.

— Luke Chinman, PEOPLE, 26 July 2026

Definition of like

Noun

The appetite for larger compounds has become so voracious that Chad Carroll of Compass says requests for them have become a regular part of his business.

— Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 21 July 2026
Coffee that interferes with sleep may indirectly damage cardiovascular health, since inadequate sleep can adversely affect blood pressure, appetite, glucose regulation and overall well-being.

— Robert Glatter, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026

Definition of appetite

Browse Nearby Words

preferably

preference

preferences

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Preference.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/preference. Accessed 30 Jul. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of preference

noun

Synonym Chooser

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on preference

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

sultry

Popular in Grammar & Usage

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

Why does English have so many silent letters?

Your vs. You're: How to Use Them Correctly

Popular in Wordplay

Dutch Treat and French Leave: Eight Place-Based Compounds

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List

The Words of the Week - Jul. 31

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

Popular

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Dutch Treat and French Leave: Eight Place-Based Compounds

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Games & Quizzes