preference

ˈpre-fərn(t)s
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 Redefine entrepreneurial success as a balance between financial ambition and preference for autonomy with the pursuit of well-being, ideally without jeopardizing either. Samantha Dewalt, Fortune, 12 Sep. 2025 Our students were using the groundbreaking technology in the classroom and at events to test customer preferences, branding, and service alternatives in the beverage management industry. Dr. Michael Cheng, Miami Herald, 12 Sep. 2025 The big story For years now, India's auto market has been a cozy little clique of Japanese, Korean and Indian companies, with the top six carmakers holding more than 90% of the market, catering to local consumers' mostly utilitarian preferences. Priyanka Salve, CNBC, 11 Sep. 2025 Overall, respondents expressed a preference for a robot that resembled a dog and appeared approachable in public settings. Mack Degeurin, Popular Science, 11 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for preference
Recent Examples of Synonyms for preference
Noun
  • The film started out as one of season’s hot favorites, garnering a near-record 13 nominations, including in the Best International Feature Film category.
    Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 10 Sep. 2025
  • Drugstore favorites include La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt-In Milk and CeraVe Hydrating Mineral.
    Mary Catherine McAnnally Scott, Southern Living, 10 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Hummers will take advantage of most nectar that’s offered, but when the food and ambiance (clean feeders and no predators) are to their liking, word does get around.
    Joan Morris, Mercury News, 8 Sep. 2025
  • It’s established right away that Ziva and Tony are friendly but romantically estranged co-parents who’ve found Europe to their mutual liking, but the exact nature of how their relationship changed over the last few years reveals itself in copious flashbacks.
    Chris Willman, Variety, 4 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The service will display the activities of not just stock traders, but also of those trading crypto, options and other assets.
    Jeff John Roberts, Fortune, 10 Sep. 2025
  • The iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max will be made available in Deep Blue, Cosmic Orange, and Silver color options.
    Prakhar Khanna, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • So, Hilleary will be in the odd position of facing a significant pay cut for getting a big promotion on Capitol Hill.
    David Mark, The Washington Examiner, 12 Sep. 2025
  • During one promotion, the Front Door Protection System was available for 60% off (bringing the price down to $279).
    John R. Delaney, PC Magazine, 11 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Jackson will compete in her primary event later this week against the likes of Alfred and Jefferson-Wooden.
    Katelyn Hutchison, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025
  • Data from SocialBlade, an analytics service, shows a big spike in video views and likes of the preexisting content since Wednesday.
    Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 13 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The glamorous look is more daring than Robbie's usual red carpet choices, but stands out as a striking entry in the naked dress trend.
    Charles Trepany, USA Today, 13 Sep. 2025
  • The choice is still ours to make.
    Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes.com, 12 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • An opportunity for career advancement presents itself as the sun and Mercury align.
    USA TODAY, USA Today, 13 Sep. 2025
  • Explore the universe with news on fascinating discoveries, scientific advancements and more.
    Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 13 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • But the new leadership team, headed by Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA), all voted against the House’s 2021 AUMF repeal bill and did not have an appetite to bring it up last year.
    Rachel Schilke, The Washington Examiner, 10 Sep. 2025
  • Located right next to the fabric center is The Depot Deli, ideal for those who might work up an appetite while shopping.
    Olivia Lee, Charlotte Observer, 9 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Preference.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/preference. Accessed 16 Sep. 2025.

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