preference

ˈpre-fərn(t)s
Definition of preferencenext
1
as in favorite
a person or thing that is preferred over others my preference is soul music

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

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

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 As skin gets thinner, drier, and more reactive over time, a gentler approach becomes less of a preference and more of a necessity. Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 25 Mar. 2026 The platform connects nano creators with beauty brands and currently has more than 40,000 creators categorized by beauty preferences and cultural interests. Kathryn Hopkins, Footwear News, 25 Mar. 2026 Your preferences will apply only on this website. Jazz Monroe, Pitchfork, 25 Mar. 2026 The authors suggest that the Democratic preference, approximating a more native pronunciation, was motivated by greater multicultural sensitivity. Valerie M. Fridland, The Conversation, 24 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for preference
Recent Examples of Synonyms for preference
Noun
  • The Buccaneer is a traveler's favorite on Saint Croix.
    Beth Luberecki, USA Today, 1 Apr. 2026
  • Los Angeles came up just short of Super Bowl LX last season, losing to the eventual champion Seattle Seahawks in the NFC Championship Game, but the Rams are the odds-on favorites to win Super Bowl LXI next year.
    Megan Armstrong, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • In the meantime, Nvidia is already responding to some of the backlash, explaining that game developers will have full artistic control over DLSS 5 and can fine-tune the model to their liking.
    Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 31 Mar. 2026
  • Nero was widely blamed for the disaster, with accusers claiming that the emperor started the fire to bypass the senate and rebuild Rome to his liking, though modern historians believe the fire was accidental.
    Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 20 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • The spa also offers an array of signature treatments worth exploring—from wellness rituals (like the Signature Bamford Treatment, which includes a footbath, massage, and assisted yogic breathing) to body rituals (mud baths, sauna wraps) and facials (including a luxurious 24K gold option).
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Mar. 2026
  • Food pantries rarely offer mobile options, and SNAP cannot be used for home deliveries.
    Beth Shapiro, New York Daily News, 29 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Anonymous Content announced the promotion of nine executives across multiple divisions of the company on Tuesday morning.
    Matt Grobar, Deadline, 31 Mar. 2026
  • The outfielder’s development was likely impacted by being called up as a 21-year-old with barely any playing time in Triple-A under his belt at the time of his promotion.
    Justice delos Santos, Mercury News, 30 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • On the other side were Jews who tended to be far more concerned about the resurgence of antisemitism on the right, from the likes of Tucker Carlson and Nick Fuentes, and believed that Israel’s aggressive actions were partially responsible for making Jews unsafe.
    Eyal Press, New Yorker, 30 Mar. 2026
  • In the same period, the stock market’s rocketed 9,000%, creating immense wealth for the likes of executives who get options, restricted stock and other equity grants.
    Shawn Tully, Fortune, 29 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Make choices that satisfy your soul.
    Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 30 Mar. 2026
  • The choice of Walsh over Baylor Scheierman — who started for Brown on Friday and has been above Walsh on the depth chart for the last two-plus months — was notable, as the former had not started a game since New Year’s Day.
    Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 29 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Plus, uncertainty – the biggest domino of them all – had the potential to recede as companies gained greater clarity on the economy, borrowing costs, tariffs and other federal policies, technological advancements, and geopolitical developments.
    Alicia Wallace, CNN Money, 29 Mar. 2026
  • The recent increase in reports may also be linked to advancements in technology and widespread camera use, prompting the question of whether these tools are amplifying the apparent surge.
    Jamie Carter, Space.com, 27 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • According to the Centers for Disease Control, chickenpox, which is very contagious, often begins with symptoms like fever, fatigue, and loss of appetite, followed by an itchy rash.
    Mike Darnay, CBS News, 2 Apr. 2026
  • Though most rank-and-file Republican lawmakers have remained outwardly supportive of the president, polls suggest that voters are souring on the conflict and have no appetite for a ground invasion.
    Jonathan Lemire, The Atlantic, 1 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Preference.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/preference. Accessed 2 Apr. 2026.

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