PREFERRED Synonyms: 97 Similar and Opposite Words

preferred 1 of 2

adjective

pri-ˈfərd

Definition of preferred

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

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

preferred

2 of 2

verb

past tense of prefer

as in liked

to show partiality toward I generally prefer chocolate ice cream over vanilla

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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 preferred

Adjective

Trump's preferred term is seeping into other correspondence and documents. — Samantha Subin,isabel O'Brien, CNBC, 30 Oct. 2026 Members still have access to a broad network of doctors, but care from a preferred tier of low cost providers is free. — Tony Lo Sasso, STAT, 29 Oct. 2026

Verb

The alternative is for today’s AI empires to attempt, as their Cold War predecessors did half a century ago, what Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev called peaceful coexistence and American statesmen preferred to call détente. — Niall Ferguson, Foreign Affairs, 20 Oct. 2026 Those who wanted to build a new society have been overshadowed by those who preferred to destroy it. — Ollivier Pourriol, Vanity Fair, 19 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for preferred

Recent Examples of Synonyms for preferred

Adjective

In selected circumstances, private ownership can provide the time, capital and operating flexibility needed to reposition the business away from quarterly market pressure.

— Chris Russo, Sportico.com, 24 Oct. 2026
Meanwhile, the first stage can handle different solid rocket motors for pre-selected range, speed, and performance profiles, as well as different booster types and other modular components.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of selected

Verb

On the other side is Gadi Eisenkot, a centrist former military chief who is temperate and broadly liked but lacks the political instincts to become a clear favorite.

— Ruth Margalit, New Yorker, 25 Oct. 2026
Restless and frustrated fans, many of whom never liked the hiring of football coach Sonny Dykes to replace Gary Patterson in the first place, would prefer the school start the process of looking for a new head coach five minutes ago.

— Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of liked

Verb

With the absence of any major AI company and relatively expensive valuations, investors have picked markets such as South Korea and Taiwan over India, experts said.

— Priyanka Salve, CNBC, 28 Oct. 2026
Warrants obtained by the AJC allege two of the suspects picked a date for the attack, obtained a floor plan of the school, pledged to provide weapons and made a list of items to get, including body armor, video cameras and combat boots.

— AJ Willingham, AJC.com, 28 Oct. 2026

Definition of picked

Adjective

Doesn't expire Up to 50% off The TJ Maxx clearance section is one of the best ways to snag a deal at the retailer, with up to 50% off select styles.

— Jessie Quinn, StyleCaster, 24 Oct. 2026
Available now at Asos and select Adidas retailers, the latest collaboration revisits one of the German sportswear company’s most recognizable silhouettes, this time through a distinctly autumnal lens.

— Camila Quimper, Footwear News, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of select

Verb

Know More The Senate race is absolutely everywhere in Iowa, which is also home to three competitive House races and a governor’s race (Democrat Rob Sand is now favored to defeat Republican Zach Lahn).

— Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 22 Oct. 2026
The false polling data from Wedgewood Polls consistently favored Democrats, particularly progressive candidates.

— Hailey Bullis, The Washington Examiner, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of favored

Verb

The show’s producers had been looking for someone who could create the same kind of following that Jones enjoyed among teenagers.

— Daniel Ross Goodman, The Washington Examiner, 30 Oct. 2026
The Thai fare at The Page is best enjoyed outdoors, with panoramic beach views.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Oct. 2026

Definition of enjoyed

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preferments

preferred

preferring

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Style

“Preferred.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/preferred. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of preferred

adjective

verb

Example Sentences

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