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
  • Homemade ice pops were another fan favorite of our readers and editors.
    Mary Shannon Wells, Southern Living, 26 May 2025
  • At this stage of his career as time is running out, Cena really doesn’t need to be involved in the world title picture, and in fact, losing that title could be what propels him back to being a fan favorite.
    Blake Oestriecher, Forbes.com, 25 May 2025
Noun
  • Exchanges are not for comparing notes or calling each other’s attention to something that was not done to your liking.
    Jann Blackstone, Boston Herald, 25 May 2025
  • But that xG-against figure is too high for Chelsea’s liking in any case.
    Liam Twomey, New York Times, 10 May 2025
Noun
  • If that happens, option prices may not move much, or even decay.
    Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025
  • If a poor single woman who came to New York to work in an unstable low-wage job became pregnant out of wedlock, shame, stigma, poverty, lack of childcare options, and the anonymity of city living might lead her to leave her infant on a stoop.
    Time, Time, 28 May 2025
Noun
  • Kroger The chain grocery store is offering a digital coupon for Private Selection 6-pack of Angus Beef Chuck Patties — normally $12.99, but $6.99 with the National Hamburger Day promotion.
    Rachel Raposas, People.com, 27 May 2025
  • Also keep in mind, travel advisers could have access to different promotions and discount codes, so seek their help to save money, said Wilkerson.
    Francine Knowles, Chicago Tribune, 26 May 2025
Noun
  • From the likes of Adam Grant and Trevor Noah this year, to Michelle Obama, Brené Brown, Amal Clooney, and others in past years, this conference explores a wide range of topics.
    Laurel Donnellan, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025
  • In under 24 hours, the couple’s posts about their news have racked up tens of thousands of comments and hundreds of thousands of likes on Instagram.
    Elizabeth Logan, Glamour, 27 May 2025
Noun
  • Goal of the season This was a choice between Bowen’s superb strike from outside the box against Ipswich and his volley against Forest.
    Roshane Thomas, New York Times, 28 May 2025
  • To top off your meal, there are plenty of choices of shakes, floats, and freshly made frozen custards.
    Ron Hurtibise, Sun Sentinel, 27 May 2025
Noun
  • Communities that have historically been at the back of the line for technological advancements can now potentially leapfrog to implementing cutting-edge solutions tailored to their specific needs.
    Dr. Sreeram Mullankandy, Forbes.com, 5 June 2025
  • Do any technological advancements really surprise you anymore?
    Joe Cermele, Outdoor Life, 5 June 2025
Noun
  • Daytime sleepiness, trouble sleeping, cough, stuffy nose, and poor appetite can occur in many acute and chronic early childhood illnesses.
    Anuradha Varanasi, Forbes.com, 31 May 2025
  • Demand for Japan’s 40-year government bonds plunged Wednesday to its lowest level since last July, reinforcing fears that appetite for ultra-long Japanese debt is evaporating.
    Catherine Baab, Quartz, 28 May 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 10 Jun. 2025.

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