1
as in favorites
a person or thing that is preferred over others
my preference is soul music
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in likings
positive regard for something
a preference for cool weather
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in options
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
4
as in promotions
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
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 preferences
The food and drink Guests discuss menu preferences in advance and an appropriate chef will be brought in accordingly to provide three meals a day, plus cakes at tea.
—
Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 Mar. 2026
Published on Thursday, the full report takes a deep dive into audience preferences, casting diversity, and box-office trends.
—Arushi Jacob, Variety, 12 Mar. 2026
And while lifestyle preferences may mean people gravitate toward certain towns and cities, a new report suggests there’s one destination that ranks as the definitive best.
—Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 12 Mar. 2026
However, each company may appeal to slightly different types of investors depending on budget, experience and service preferences.
—Nick Perry, USA Today, 12 Mar. 2026
Their preferences aren’t particularly stacked in either direction.
—Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 12 Mar. 2026
Your preferences will apply only on this website.
—Walden Green, Pitchfork, 12 Mar. 2026
Prince William and Princess Kate aren't the only British royals with steadfast food preferences.
—Chanel Vargas, InStyle, 12 Mar. 2026
The same bed, separate bedding trend is all about how to make a bed to suit two people with different sleep preferences.
—Shivani Vyas, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 Mar. 2026
Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 Mar. 2026
Published on Thursday, the full report takes a deep dive into audience preferences, casting diversity, and box-office trends.
—Arushi Jacob, Variety, 12 Mar. 2026
And while lifestyle preferences may mean people gravitate toward certain towns and cities, a new report suggests there’s one destination that ranks as the definitive best.
—Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 12 Mar. 2026
However, each company may appeal to slightly different types of investors depending on budget, experience and service preferences.
—Nick Perry, USA Today, 12 Mar. 2026
Their preferences aren’t particularly stacked in either direction.
—Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 12 Mar. 2026
Your preferences will apply only on this website.
—Walden Green, Pitchfork, 12 Mar. 2026
Prince William and Princess Kate aren't the only British royals with steadfast food preferences.
—Chanel Vargas, InStyle, 12 Mar. 2026
The same bed, separate bedding trend is all about how to make a bed to suit two people with different sleep preferences.
—Shivani Vyas, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for preferences
Noun
-
Drawing on Aman Thai roots, the massage menu is long and varied; favorites include the Stone Therapy which uses Himalayan salt stones.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
14 Mar. 2026
-
Fuerza Regida had already made history as the first música mexicana band featured on the cover of Rolling Stone — but their showcase on Friday night was a chance to remind everyone of the bold, audacious appeal and formidable stage presence that have brought the San Bernadino favorites to the top.—
Julyssa Lopez,
Rolling Stone,
14 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Other on-site dining options include Macondo, which sits in a gathering space that feels akin to an elevated hostel lounge, which features live music over Middle Eastern cuisine.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
12 Mar. 2026
-
Pisces February 19 – March 20 Naming your options can be heartening today.—
Tarot.com,
Sun Sentinel,
12 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Here are some promotions that chain restaurants have announced on their websites, in social media or in news releases.—
Fielding Buck,
Oc Register,
11 Mar. 2026
-
To get an inside look at all the action, season four of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives drops on March 12 exclusively on Hulu on Disney+ and Hulu, where the former is offering one of its best promotions of the year.—
Erin Lassner,
HollywoodReporter,
11 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
The story of this special salad that captured the appetites of Nashvillians and the imagination of chefs traces its roots to a Frenchman named Xavier Francis Faucon.—
Nancy Vienneau,
Southern Living,
11 Mar. 2026
-
DeLuca spent time arguing that school funding, which is the biggest reason for high property taxes, is an ongoing problem with the hungry financial appetites of some districts to always ask the maximum and criticized the plethora of school districts.—
Jerry Shnay,
Chicago Tribune,
9 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
To make money talks less tense, prioritize choices that reflect your true worth.—
Tarot.com,
Hartford Courant,
11 Mar. 2026
-
Best known for starring as the titular character in Sabrina the Teenage Witch and Clarissa Explains It All, Hart also took part in the trend, commenting on the fashion while also posting several photos of her own unique ’90s fashion choices.—
Hanna Wickes,
Charlotte Observer,
11 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Specific goals, apart from AI, electric vehicles and robotics, include making advancements in semiconductors, batteries, biomedicine and 6G mobile networks.—
Ken Moritsugu,
Los Angeles Times,
9 Mar. 2026
-
Politicians are focusing more on white-collar professionals as AI advancements threaten jobs.—
Kayla Hayempour,
NBC news,
9 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Also on tap are six of the Symphony’s popular film-and-live orchestra concerts, plus Pop Series tributes to the likes of Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross, The Temptations, Stevie Wonder, Joni Mitchell, Carole King, Carly Simon, Jimmy Buffet, Whitney Houston and Bugs Bunny.—
Dan Kelly
March 14,
Kansas City Star,
14 Mar. 2026
-
To expect small-caps to outperform in the 2020s, according to Howard, would assume a recovery phase from a market crash, the likes of which has yet to occur.—
Joseph Wilkins,
CNBC,
13 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Preferences.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/preferences. Accessed 16 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
