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 Until that happens, Americans remain vulnerable to surprises and types of care that are not aligned with their preferences. — Jane Callahan, The Conversation, 14 July 2026 The true marker of successful mattress selection is considering all the sleep preferences (including those of the person sharing the mattress with you). — Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 14 July 2026 Of the various speculative theories for the emergence of this extreme preference, one that seems plausible to me points to our unprecedented capacity for violence. — Quanta Magazine, 13 July 2026 All teams are defined, to some measure, on the preferences and prejudices of their managers. — Kevin Baxter, Twin Cities, 13 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for preference

Recent Examples of Synonyms for preference

Noun

Dodgers fan favorite Kiké Hernández has built a reputation for clutch October moments and an easygoing personality.

— Alejandro Avila OutKick, FOXNews.com, 21 July 2026
While the celebration continues, Lamine Yamal and crew are already the favorites to retain the trophy at the 2030 tournament.

— Dean Jones, New York Times, 20 July 2026

Definition of favorite

Noun

This easy-to-wear shorts set with practical pockets and a drawstring waist comes in an array of colors to mix, match, and personalize to your liking.

— Jessica Benavides Canepa, Travel + Leisure, 16 July 2026
The living space was open, with the living room, dining area and kitchen lined up in a row — maybe a little too open for the family’s liking.

— Gabe Castro-Root, New York Times, 16 July 2026

Definition of liking

Noun

Beyond reducing component counts, the approach broadens supply chain options, speeds manufacturing, and provides greater flexibility when increasing output.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 21 July 2026
In those circumstances, and with United looking at options on the left wing, including Crysencio Summerville, the prospect of Rashford returning, thus saving the club a fee for a new signing, has increased.

— Laurie Whitwell, New York Times, 21 July 2026

Definition of option

Noun

Following the club’s relegation to the Championship for the first time since 2011, Kretinsky urgently needed to convince club captain Jarrod Bowen to lead their promotion push.

— Roshane Thomas, New York Times, 18 July 2026
Twenty-three of those were filled through internal promotions of former assistant principals or other staff, while the other 25 were external hires.

— Samuel O’Neal July 17, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 July 2026

Definition of promotion

Noun

Langeliers singled to right center in the third inning and made out as part of a fielder’s choice later in the inning.

— Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 15 July 2026
Although justices were directly elected, state law at the time allowed governors to unilaterally appoint a candidate of their choice to the Supreme Court when a vacancy occurred in the middle of a judicial term.

— Matthew Kelly, Kansas City Star, 14 July 2026

Definition of choice

Noun

But despite the benefits of community advancement, much of the industry remains rooted in a transactional model, especially as project costs rise and budgets tighten.

— Jon Kramer, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026
Shoppers are likely not thinking about the genetic advancements made in the dairy industry.

— Isabelle LaBianco, CNN Money, 19 July 2026

Definition of advancement

Noun

When a pet chews on one of these plants, the crystals irritate the mouth and cause pain, drooling, vomiting and loss of appetite.

— Ryan Brennan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 July 2026
When a pet chews on them, the crystals irritate the mouth, causing pain, drooling, vomiting and loss of appetite, according to the ASPCA.

— Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 14 July 2026

Definition of appetite

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preference

preferences

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Style

“Preference.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/preference. Accessed 21 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of preference

noun

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