Thesaurus

preference

noun

Synonyms and Antonyms of preference

1 a person or thing that is preferred over others

my preference is soul music

Synonyms of preference

darling, fave, favorite, minion, pet, speed

Words Related to preference

beloved, dear, sweetheart

jewel, prize, treasure

Phrases Synonymous with preference

Near Antonyms of preference

abomination, anathema, bête noire, bugbear

2 positive regard for something

a preference for cool weather

Synonyms of preference

appetite, fancy, favor, fondness, like, liking, love, love affair, partiality, relish, shine, taste, use

Words Related to preference

craving, desire, hankering, longing, thirst, yen

enthusiasm, gusto, interest, passion

bias, prejudice

bent, inclination, leaning, propensity, tendency

Near Antonyms of preference

apathy, disinclination

indifference, unconcern

Antonyms of preference

aversion, disfavor, disgust, dislike, distaste, hatred, loathing, mislike

3 the power, right, or opportunity to choose

he was promised his preference when the time came to repaint his bedroom

Synonyms of preference

alternative, choice, discretion, druthers [dialect], election, liberty, option, pick, selection, volition, way

Words Related to preference

determination, free will, will

say, voice, vote

inclination, liking, partiality, penchant, predilection, proclivity, propensity, tendency

discernment, judgment (or judgement), perspicacity

Near Antonyms of preference

coercion, duress, force

duty, obligation

Hobson's choice

4 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 of preference

advancement, ascent, creation, elevation, preferment, promotion, rise, upgrade, upgrading

Words Related to preference

aggrandizement, ennoblement, exaltation, glorification, magnification

Near Antonyms of preference

deposition, dethronement, discharge, dismissal, expulsion, impeachment, ouster, overthrow, removal, suspension, unmaking, unseating

Antonyms of preference

abasement, comedown, degradation, demotion, disrating, downgrade, reduction

Synonym Discussion of preference

choice, option, alternative, preference, selection, election mean the act or opportunity of choosing or the thing chosen. choice suggests the opportunity or privilege of choosing freely.

- freedom of choice

option implies a power to choose that is specifically granted or guaranteed.

- the option of paying now or later

alternative implies a need to choose one and reject another possibility.

- equally attractive alternatives

preference suggests a choice guided by one's judgment or predilections.

- a preference for cool weather

selection implies a range of choice.

- a varied selection of furniture

election implies an end or purpose which requires exercise of judgment.

- doing a tax return forces certain elections on you

Learn More about preference

See words that rhyme with preference Dictionary: Definition of preference Spanish Central: Translation of preference Nglish: Translation of preference for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of preference for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about preference

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up preference? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show comments

WORD OF THE DAY

whinge

to complain fretfully