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 Many children will train at three or four of the ‘pre-academy’ centres run by professional clubs to ascertain a preference before choosing which club to officially join at under-nine. — Jordan Campbell, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2026 And the death of Rock Hudson from AIDS in 1985 left the public skeptical about which stars in Hollywood were telling the truth about their preferences. — Allen Salkin, HollywoodReporter, 14 Sep. 2026 The equestrian world had long recognized his preference for younger men. — Ian Parker, New Yorker, 14 Sep. 2026 Osborne said Waukee residents will get first preference for spots in the development. — Phillip Sitter, Des Moines Register, 11 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for preference

Recent Examples of Synonyms for preference

Noun

All are worth a visit, but my personal favorite is La Vara, which blends Jewish and Moorish influences to honor Southern Spain’s rich culinary history.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Sep. 2026
In a new collaboration with luxe home decor brand L’Objet, the jewelry designer (a favorite of Zoë Kravitz, Zendaya, and Margot Robbie) has translated her signature everyday luxury ethos into tableware.

— Hannah Coates, Vogue, 14 Sep. 2026

Definition of favorite

Noun

If that isn’t enough sand for your liking, the hotel also offers private access to idyllic Doctor’s Cave Beach and its gentle surf.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Sep. 2026
An update on inflation across the United States that came in close to economists’ expectations, even if prices are still rising too quickly for everyone’s liking, also helped calm the market.

— Stan Choe, Los Angeles Times, 11 Sep. 2026

Definition of liking

Noun

Ahmed Walid Fabio Vieira (Hamburg) Vieira was the creative heart of Hamburg’s survival in the Bundesliga last season, their first back in the top tier after promotion.

— David Ornstein, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2026
The Central Carolina fair maintains an active Facebook page and regularly posts updates, including promotions and videos of adorable petting zoo animals.

— Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 4 Sep. 2026

Definition of promotion

Noun

Sarkisian likes to call plays designed for the quarterback to move his feet, but Manning can also win from the pocket.

— Dane Brugler, New York Times, 10 Sep. 2026
That initial TikTok clip earned nearly 300,000 views and over 34,5000 likes, setting the stage for a plethora of follow-up promotional clips from RhyRhy, including two that have reached over one million views each.

— Andrew Unterberger, Billboard, 10 Sep. 2026

Definition of like

Noun

The market has already shown a voracious appetite for companies demonstrating copious free cash flows at a time when it's become scarce.

— Michael Santoli, CNBC, 15 Sep. 2026
What everyone was caught up in was an appetite with a longer history than the social media platforms now feeding it.

— Jeff Ihaza, Rolling Stone, 14 Sep. 2026

Definition of appetite

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 17 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of preference

noun

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