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 Area dynamics, municipal regulations, employer activity and renter preferences vary from market to market. — Lee Kiser, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2026 However, while French productions are internationally recognized, export barriers are multiplying, according to the report, including a global shift towards local preference. — Ed Meza, Variety, 8 Sep. 2026 Simple items like cooking oil, seasonings and sauces, plus fresh fruit and vegetables empower families to prepare flavorful dishes that respect their culture and preferences. — Christine Franz, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 Sep. 2026 Choosing Between Whole and Low-Fat Milk Deciding between whole milk and low-fat milk may come down to caloric goals or taste preferences. — Stephanie Brown, Verywell Health, 8 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for preference

Recent Examples of Synonyms for preference

Noun

Visitors spent the day sampling soul food favorites, including ribs, macaroni and cheese, collard greens, chicken and waffles, cornbread and a variety of sweet desserts.

— Gabby Sartori, USA Today, 7 Sep. 2026
Skincare favorites from High Potency, Cold Plasma Plus+ and more also available.

— ABC News, ABC News, 7 Sep. 2026

Definition of favorite

Noun

There’s never going to be optimal city management of road closures and detours to everyone’s liking, no matter how many public hearings of driver angst and outcry take place.

— Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 6 Sep. 2026
If fruity fragrances lean too sweet for your liking and clean scents feel too minimalist, citrus perfumes may be the ideal middle ground.

— Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of liking

Noun

Ahmed Walid Fabio Vieira (Hamburg) Vieira was the creative heart of Hamburg’s survival in the Bundesliga last season, their first back in the top tier after promotion.

— David Ornstein, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2026
The Central Carolina fair maintains an active Facebook page and regularly posts updates, including promotions and videos of adorable petting zoo animals.

— Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 4 Sep. 2026

Definition of promotion

Noun

The 22-year-old likes to get touch-tight to attackers but is an adept reader of the game too, knowing when to hang back.

— Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
The video of the confrontation has drawn more than 64,000 likes, with many commenters praising Opperman as a small-town hero.

— Alex Wigglesworth, Los Angeles Times, 4 Sep. 2026

Definition of like

Noun

As The Athletic detailed here, the Clippers’ chance at taking the arbitration route was eliminated by the National Basketball Players Association’s choice to agree with the NBA on the ruling.

— Law Murray, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026
Price controls don't make scarce goods abundant, risky loans safe or bad choices cost-free.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 9 Sep. 2026

Definition of choice

Noun

Building codes for tall buildings have evolved in the past quarter century, and today’s skyscrapers incorporate many advancements that make new buildings safer.

— Edward Keegan, Chicago Tribune, 6 Sep. 2026
His occasional free-agent splurges obscured an organizational myopia that left his team with scant investments in staffing, analytical advancements and technological necessities.

— Andy McCullough, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026

Definition of advancement

Browse Nearby Words

preferably

preference

preferences

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Preference.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/preference. Accessed 11 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of preference

noun

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