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

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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

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 Putting on each Games requires completing a complex scheduling puzzle involving host committee preferences, IOC tradition and broadcaster input from around the world. Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 19 Feb. 2026 But that doesn’t appear to be their preference. Joseph Person, New York Times, 19 Feb. 2026 Paul said Altman’s preference for brevity was eye-opening for him. Marco Quiroz-Gutierrez, Fortune, 18 Feb. 2026 The preference for fish is given because, according to Catholic tradition, it is considered an austere food and has a broad meaning in the biblical story of the loaves and fishes, as well as in the fact that four of the 12 disciples chosen by Jesus were fishermen. Nadia Cantú, AZCentral.com, 18 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for preference
Recent Examples of Synonyms for preference
Noun
  • The all-year-round surf scene here is so attractive that it’s even famed for being a regular favorite of Morocco’s royal heirs.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 Feb. 2026
  • Still, a flurry of moves during the summer window made LAFC among the obvious favorites to compete for the league championship, primarily because Son’s influence made Cherundolo’s defend-and-transition tactics lethal.
    Josh Gross, Daily News, 17 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Feel free to adjust it to your liking.
    Jake Ciely, New York Times, 17 Feb. 2026
  • The underfoot feel was excellent at tempo pace and faster, but at everyday training paces, the ride felt too firm and unforgiving for my liking.
    Cory Smith, Outside, 15 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Specialty shops, coffee shops, boutiques and restaurants could share 200 acres of trails, pocket parks, wooded landscapes and a lazy creek with a combination of residential options.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 16 Feb. 2026
  • The summer season will surely attract more families with young kids, but unlike other New England coastal destinations, the main draw in Mystic is not the beach—though there are a few solid options for sun and sand nearby.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Hilton All-Inclusive Resorts Book by March 31, 2026, to take advantage of Hilton’s Kids & Teens Stay Free promotion at select all-inclusive resorts.
    Beth Luberecki, USA Today, 17 Feb. 2026
  • Her armbar finishes and cage charisma singlehandedly prompted White to begin promotion of women's MMA, with Rousey at the center of his plans.
    ABC News, ABC News, 17 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • With the film, Hader is set to become the latest major comedic talent to make his mark in horror, joining a lineage that includes the likes of Jordan Peele, Zach Cregger, and most recently, Curry Barker.
    Matt Grobar, Deadline, 19 Feb. 2026
  • These coats aren’t just stylish, but they’ve been cosigned by the likes of Hailey Bieber and Kate Middleton, and the trend was everywhere last week.
    Amanda Le, InStyle, 19 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • The cow or chicken choice seemed rather crucial at the time.
    Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 16 Feb. 2026
  • In this regard, recommendations of top Wall Street analysts can help investors make the right choice, as these experts assign buy ratings after a thorough analysis of a company's fundamentals and its ability to consistently pay dividends.
    , CNBC, 15 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • But the bill’s advancement was not cause for celebration among the food security advocates who have been calling for state funds to cover the cost of school meal copays for years.
    Matthew Kelly, Kansas City Star, 15 Feb. 2026
  • After reporting Rotter, Walker said he was subjected to racial harassment and a hostile working environment, including being denied overtime, training and advancement opportunities, according to court filings.
    Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Auerbach believes The 1% Club and Wisdom of the Crowd demonstrate that UK commissioners still very much have an appetite for risk.
    Max Goldbart, Deadline, 18 Feb. 2026
  • Replacing unhealthy snacks or desserts with yogurt, or eating yogurt before a meal to curb your appetite, can help with weight loss.
    Sohaib Imtiaz, Verywell Health, 17 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Preference.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/preference. Accessed 22 Feb. 2026.

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