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 But Doncic and Reaves have picked up on Ayton’s preference for rolling into the midrange area, where the 27-year-old big man is particularly efficient as a shooter and scorer. Khobi Price, Oc Register, 7 Nov. 2025 Whether made-to-measure couches, modular sectionals, or bespoke armchairs, custom furniture gives you infinite flexibility to adapt to your taste and the constraints of your space, personal preferences, and room layouts. Matt Emma, USA Today, 6 Nov. 2025 By analyzing behavioral data, Reformation can align inventory to local preferences while maintaining its small-batch production model with limited runs that can be replenished quickly to minimize overproduction and waste. Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 6 Nov. 2025 Limón is known for having some of the country’s best beaches, with a spot to suit every beachgoer’s preferences. Lydia Price, Travel + Leisure, 6 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for preference
Recent Examples of Synonyms for preference
Noun
  • This weekend, the Rams (6-2) are clear road favorites in a rematch with one of just two teams that has beaten them this year.
    Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Nov. 2025
  • Now made with high-quality faux florals and durable wire frames, some of our favorites are nearly identical to the real thing.
    Kate McGregor, Architectural Digest, 5 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • The overall body remains a little too chunky for our liking, but the front fascia and roofline have been modified to more closely resemble the vehicle that inspired this build.
    Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 3 Nov. 2025
  • Bring Out The Wool Socks Are the temps outside start getting a little chilly for your liking?
    Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 3 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • Take a cue from Nicole Kidman and swap bulky trainers for a sleeker option that styles effortlessly from the plane to wherever the day takes you.
    Nicol Natale, PEOPLE, 8 Jan. 2026
  • Silver plans are a middle-tier option that the ACA marketplaces offer for qualifying consumers.
    David Lightman, Sacbee.com, 8 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • During the live video, Khan mentioned New Japan Strong and Ring of Honor (ROH) as promotions that would be interested in seeing a National Champion appear at their events.
    Matthew Couden, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Nov. 2025
  • Eventually, the consumer will click on a promotion from a new bank and open an account.
    Daniel de Visé, USA Today, 6 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • The couple was recently named the ship's godparents, an honor that's also been held by the likes of Princess Diana and Audrey Hepburn.
    Mackenzie Schmidt, PEOPLE, 8 Nov. 2025
  • That could mean more opportunities for the likes of Bo Jackson and Isaiah West, while Purdue quarterback Ryan Browne will be desperate to carve out opportunities and keep head coach Barry Odom’s side in contention as long as possible.
    Ben Verbrugge, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • The best heroes are beloved because their choices — admirable, messy, or otherwise — are hard ones made in service of something greater.
    Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 7 Nov. 2025
  • The two were impeccably dressed as Gomez and Morticia Addams, which is a canonically Gay couple costume choice — Lakshmi, as Morticia, was holding scissors in one of the posts, for crying out loud.
    James Factora, Them., 7 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • Explore the universe with news on fascinating discoveries, scientific advancements and more.
    Jackie Wattles, CNN Money, 8 Nov. 2025
  • The massive margin of victory sets Minnesota (5-4) up well for NBA Cup advancement.
    Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 8 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • McLaughlin added that especially in Charlotte, there was an appetite to celebrate the film with around eight screenings in the Queen City alone.
    Zach Dennis, Charlotte Observer, 8 Jan. 2026
  • Previous research has also suggested that long-term high-fat diets can disrupt how the gut and brain communicate, affecting appetite, mood and metabolism, Fox News Digital previously reported.
    Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 7 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Preference.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/preference. Accessed 9 Jan. 2026.

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