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

Rejecting how things are supposed to be and adding my own twist is very much my preferred method of operation. — Elizabeth Gulino, Allure, 17 July 2026 Newcastle United had reached an agreement in principle with Freiburg to sign Manzambi, though the midfielder had yet to decide on his preferred destination, allowing Villa to step up their interest. — Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 17 July 2026

Verb

Robby, by his own admission, preferred to focus on more general themes. — Amy Weiss-Meyer, The Atlantic, 10 July 2026 As a result, they’re preferred for side-by-side learning or as a tool during supervised instruction or practice. — Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 10 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for preferred

Recent Examples of Synonyms for preferred

Adjective

Some cool features include a kill switch that automatically disconnects you from the internet if the VPN connection fails, as well as split tunneling that allows selected apps to use the VPN connection while others transmit data in clear text.

— K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 25 June 2026
These pre-selected fighter pilots and their families moved into their apartments during the summer of 1960 after residing at the Frunze Central Airfield in Moscow.

— Jeff Spry, Space.com, 27 May 2026

Definition of selected

Verb

For the most part, Davis says, fans liked it when it was introduced.

— Jasmine Garsd, NPR, 17 July 2026
A lot of people in the south and southwest suburbs who either liked trains or just wanted to see the Big Boy in action lined streets and fields along the route to see the Union Pacific treasure in action.

— Jeff Vorva, Chicago Tribune, 17 July 2026

Definition of liked

Verb

Smith was on the 11-member search committee that picked the finalist candidates and weeded Epstein out of the list of top 20 candidates.

— Austin Horn July 24, Miami Herald, 24 July 2026
The six states picked to be first together tell the story of who the Democratic party is, said Debbie Dingell, a congresswoman from Michigan, urging members to not read too much into who was given the first slot.

— Maham Javaid, NPR, 24 July 2026

Definition of picked

Adjective

Singer-songwriter events are held on select Mondays, while regular hours are concentrated around Thursday through Saturday.

— Noel Burgess, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026
Every autograph card carries an on-card signature and a limited run of 100, and select base and foil cards were produced as unique one-of-one pieces.

— Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 20 July 2026

Definition of select

Verb

And when Burnham — favored by many within Labour to lead the party and the country — won a special election for a seat in Parliament, Starmer gave in to the mounting pressure to quit.

— ABC News, ABC News, 18 July 2026
The complete assembly weighs just enough for the Madagascar hissing cockroach, a species favored for cyborg research because of its large size, robustness, and wingless body, to carry without significantly impairing its movement.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 18 July 2026

Definition of favored

Adjective

Her children are named Orlando and Ophelia after the place where her son was conceived and her favorite Taylor Swift song, respectively.

— Brian Moylan, Vulture, 22 July 2026
Readers cast 661,000 votes this year for their favorite cities, airlines, hotels and more, with editors describing the rankings as a snapshot of places resonating with travelers today.

— Kimberly Tutuska, Charlotte Observer, 22 July 2026

Definition of favorite

Verb

Root actually enjoyed being back in charge at the Oval last month even though he was dealt the toughest of hands having to lead a side against New Zealand that included three Test debutants and two other players with only one appearance each.

— Paul Newman, New York Times, 24 July 2026
The South Florida fruits are mostly enjoyed fresh by home gardeners, but they’ve also been baked into French fries — and even turned into vodka.

— Ashley Miznazi, Miami Herald, 24 July 2026

Definition of enjoyed

Browse Nearby Words

preferments

preferred

preferring

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Preferred.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/preferred. Accessed 26 Jul. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of preferred

adjective

verb

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on preferred

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

aerie

Popular in Grammar & Usage

Democracy or Republic: What's the difference?

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Do you 'say your piece' or 'say your peace'?

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Popular in Wordplay

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

The Longest Long Words List

Ten Words Ending with a Silent ‘T’

The Words of the Week - Jul 24

Why do we say 'fly off the handle'?

Popular

Democracy or Republic: What's the difference?

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

The Longest Long Words List

Games & Quizzes