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 Within consumer staples, Kimberly-Clark is my preference thanks to the Kenvue acquisition catalyst. — Jim Cramer, CNBC, 2 Nov. 2026 But Democrats believe shifting Hispanic political preferences could complicate that strategy. — Senior Editor, CBS News, 2 Nov. 2026 Sardelli also encourages guests to locate the essentials, including power outlets, and adjust the temperature and lighting to their preferences. — Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 1 Nov. 2026 Nicole Austin, Diageo’s director of American whiskey liquid development, says the release gives whiskey enthusiasts an opportunity to explore the bourbon at full strength or add drops of water to suit their preferences. — Melinda Salchert, Southern Living, 31 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for preference

Recent Examples of Synonyms for preference

Noun

The sides were also spectacular and included a smattering of traditional favorites like creamed spinach and truffle mac and cheese.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 Nov. 2026
All Meddys restaurants follow the same general aesthetic and offer typical menu favorites, like falafel, shawarma, succulent chicken and a hummus plate.

— Jenna Thompson, Kansas City Star, 2 Nov. 2026

Definition of favorite

Noun

Beige is a bit too basic for our liking, whereas camel brings cozy warmth and chic sophistication with its golden-brown undertones.

— InStyle, InStyle, 24 Oct. 2026
Anyone who’s had a game console and played Madden has arranged depth charts to their liking and made game-management decisions to feel like a head coach.

— Saad Yousuf, New York Times, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of liking

Noun

The Royals could also decline All-Star closer Carlos Estévez’s club option.

— Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 24 Oct. 2026
Ukraine believes security guarantees backed by Western allies are essential to any future settlement, ideally in the form of NATO membership — an option Vladimir Putin has rejected.

— ABC News, ABC News, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of option

Noun

A day before Pomeroy’s promotion, Broadcast reported that comedy boss Charlie Perkins and entertainment chief Steve Handley are leaving.

— Max Goldbart, Deadline, 29 Oct. 2026
Now leading the charge is event director Genae Salinas, who took over from Christina Henderson after her promotion to vice president of the Endurance Portfolio at Diversified USA, TRE’s parent company.

— Ian Servantes, Footwear News, 29 Oct. 2026

Definition of promotion

Noun

He was also known for his metal cube sculptures, which have been called quilt-like.

— Deborah Vankin, Los Angeles Times, 29 Oct. 2026
Her posts across TikTok earned thousands of comments and likes, and a recent post to a Facebook page for Chicago-area brides earned almost 2,000 likes and was shared by dozens of brides-to-be offering to help.

— Allison Kiehl, Chicago Tribune, 28 Oct. 2026

Definition of like

Noun

Announced in September, Daimler Truck's newest safety advancements include Active Cross Traffic Assist, Active Sideguard Assist 3, and improvements to its Active Drive Assist system.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 1 Nov. 2026
The successful demonstration represents more than an advancement in drone technology.

— Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 31 Oct. 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 5 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of preference

noun

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