Synonyms of preferred

preferred 1 of 2

adjective

pri-ˈfərd 

as in selected

singled out from a number or group as more to one's liking

my preferred means of communication is e-mail

Synonyms & Similar Words

• selected
• select
• favorite
• favored
• chosen
• elect
• choice
• picked
• first-line
• handpicked
• of choice
• cherry-picked
• fashionable
• exclusive
• screened
• weeded (out)
• culled
• winnowed (out)
• picked over

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• common
• average
• ordinary
• commonplace
• run-of-the-mill

preferred

2 of 2

verb

past tense of prefer

1

as in liked

to show partiality toward

I generally prefer chocolate ice cream over vanilla

Synonyms & Similar Words

• liked
• favored
• enjoyed
• chose
• wanted
• picked
• selected
• desired
• cared (for)
• leaned (toward or towards)
• went in for
• relished
• appreciated
• was partial to
• adored
• fancied
• delighted (in)
• admired
• named
• craved
• wished (for)
• coveted
• dug
• grooved (on)
• biased
• culled
• took
• singled (out)
• prejudiced
• valued
• reveled (in)
• tended (to)
• handpicked
• cherished
• inclined (toward)
• cottoned (to)
• prized
• treasured
• hankered (for or after)

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• disliked
• hated
• loathed
• detested
• abhorred
• refused
• rejected
• declined
• turned down
• misliked
• disfavored
• discarded
• abominated
• jettisoned
• threw away
• threw out

2

as in chose

to decide to accept (someone or something) from a group of possibilities

most buyers of that vehicle have preferred the model with four-wheel drive

Synonyms & Similar Words

• selected
• chose
• picked
• named
• elected
• took
• designated
• opted (for)
• culled
• tagged
• singled (out)
• handpicked
• accepted
• nominated
• adopted
• cherry-picked
• appointed
• preselected
• marked
• tapped
• embraced
• set
• fixed
• espoused
• settled (on or upon)
• tabbed

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• refused
• rejected
• declined
• turned down
• disapproved
• repudiated
• discarded
• spurned
• negatived
• threw out
• jettisoned
• threw away

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of preferred

Adjective

Late May to early June is these experts' other preferred window, near the start of a beach season —which generally lasts until early October. — Paul Jebara, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Sep. 2026

Don’t miss out on Belgian specialities, such as chips and mayonnaise, a classic now with heritage status (although here beef stew is the preferred topping). — Adrienne Wyper, TheWeek, 17 Sep. 2026

Verb

In the beginning, Elon Musk preferred to be known as an engineer. — David Fear, Rolling Stone, 10 Sep. 2026

The researchers did not find equivalent evidence that introverted participants preferred an introverted AI. — Paul Jones, Scientific American, 7 Sep. 2026