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
1
as in liked
to show partiality toward
I generally prefer chocolate ice cream over vanilla
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
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
Aspen Pflughoeft, Miami Herald, 14 Oct. 2025
Add PCMag as a preferred source on Google.
—PC Magazine, 14 Oct. 2025
Victoria Uwumarogie, Essence, 13 Oct. 2025
Standing there with a camera shining in his face, Skubal preferred not to talk about himself.
—Cody Stavenhagen, New York Times, 11 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for preferred
Adjective
Much about the lifestyle, behavior and preferred habitat of Persian Gulf sand whitings remains unknown.
—Aspen Pflughoeft, Miami Herald, 14 Oct. 2025
Add PCMag as a preferred source on Google.
—PC Magazine, 14 Oct. 2025
Verb
For those who preferred to hear nothing, there were areas that were specifically for quiet, so people could soak in peace.
—Victoria Uwumarogie, Essence, 13 Oct. 2025
Standing there with a camera shining in his face, Skubal preferred not to talk about himself.
—Cody Stavenhagen, New York Times, 11 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for preferred
Recent Examples of Synonyms for preferred
Adjective
-
According to the report, more than two-thirds of the stakeholders GAO interviewed reported challenges with warehouses, truck areas and roadways at selected airports, which can be a major supply chain detriment since air cargo spends 80 to 90 percent of its time on the ground.—
Glenn Taylor,
Sourcing Journal,
24 July 2025
-
Lauren James, England’s most explosive attacking player, was a doubt to be among the selected 23 because of a hamstring injury.—
Jacob Whitehead,
New York Times,
6 June 2025
Verb
-
But there have literally been billions of people over the past two millennia who would have liked to know this.—
JSTOR Daily,
JSTOR Daily,
16 Oct. 2025
-
Such breezy asides suggest a movie that’s a little too eager to be liked.—
Ben Kenigsberg,
New York Times,
16 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
For a cohesive design, select paint colors that harmonize with the existing undertones.—
Sophie Flaxman,
Better Homes & Gardens,
20 Oct. 2025
-
Local 10 will also carry select simulcasts of FanDuel Sports Network broadcasts for 12 regular-season games of the Heat G League affiliate, the Sioux Falls Skyforce.—
Anthony Chiang,
Miami Herald,
20 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Paz favored gradual reform, including tax incentives for small businesses and regional fiscal autonomy, while Quiroga proposed sweeping cuts and an IMF bailout.—
Reuters 3 min ago,
CNN Money,
20 Oct. 2025
-
Barrett’s remarks came during an hourlong interview with New York Times columnist Ross Douthat published October 16, in which the two discussed numerous issues facing the Court and questions of originalism, the legal theory favored by Barrett and other justices like Clarence Thomas.—
Samantha Riedel,
Them.,
20 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
These restaurants were picked by the editors of Southern Living who report, research, and visit restaurants across the South.—
Tara Massouleh McCay,
Southern Living,
17 Oct. 2025
-
How was Arizona's top doughnut picked?—
Laura Daniella Sepulveda,
AZCentral.com,
17 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Crybaby is another Pop Mart favorite, easily recognizable by its big eyes, puffy cheeks, and of course, stream of tears.—
Katie Decker-Jacoby,
StyleCaster,
16 Oct. 2025
-
Politicians sometimes do silly things to draw attention to their favorite issues.—
Nicholas Florko,
The Atlantic,
16 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Wilson’s family, cabinet, and staff enjoyed the film, while civil rights organizations protested across the country.—
Time,
Time,
14 Oct. 2025
-
What one poll said about redistricting's political risks While the 3D Strategic Research poll found redistricting to be unpopular with Hoosier voters, other election reform efforts enjoyed wide support.—
Marissa Meador,
IndyStar,
14 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
But his chosen career path ended his life — and nearly killed his heartbroken father, who suffered a stroke upon hearing the news that his son had been gunned down.—
Kerry Burke,
New York Daily News,
29 July 2025
-
Costello’s donates products to community raffles and fundraisers, allowing chosen charities to select any item in the store worth up to $100 for their events.—
Mike Klingaman,
Baltimore Sun,
17 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Preferred.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/preferred. Accessed 22 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share