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
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Recent Examples of preferred
John C. Moritz, Austin American Statesman, 15 Feb. 2026
The team is currently exploring options, and while Austria is the preferred location, in view of the current situation, that may not be feasible, Mair Vargas says.
—Ed Meza, Variety, 15 Feb. 2026
ABC News, 15 Feb. 2026
The Waterfront Park option was preferred by most, given Saturday’s weather with clear skies and temperatures in the high 60s.
—Jennifer Van Grove, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for preferred
Adjective
The University of Houston poll shows Abbott's preferred candidates struggling with Republican primary voters.
—John C. Moritz, Austin American Statesman, 15 Feb. 2026
The team is currently exploring options, and while Austria is the preferred location, in view of the current situation, that may not be feasible, Mair Vargas says.
—Ed Meza, Variety, 15 Feb. 2026
Verb
The industry has largely abandoned them in favor of plastic resin alternatives, which are also preferred for aesthetic reasons.
—ABC News, 15 Feb. 2026
The Waterfront Park option was preferred by most, given Saturday’s weather with clear skies and temperatures in the high 60s.
—Jennifer Van Grove, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for preferred
Recent Examples of Synonyms for preferred
Adjective
-
The gist, however, seems to be that extra-terrestrials make contact with a selected few, before promising to go public to the entire world — good luck dealing with the ramifications of that one, human race!—
Richard Edwards,
Space.com,
31 Dec. 2025
-
The selected cohort—Diamond Batiste, Ciara Boniface, Jeremy Hsing, Alejandra López and Brittany Alexia Young—were chosen from nearly 1,000 submissions, placing them at the forefront of a new chapter in cinematic storytelling.—
Okla Jones,
Essence,
23 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Miller liked Codie’s stats, but the coach also emphasized that those nine points and six rebounds didn’t accurately reflect how effective Codie played against an imposing frontline for Missouri.—
Thomas Jones,
Austin American Statesman,
16 Feb. 2026
-
The Duke of York liked bold ideas.—
Sam Knight,
New Yorker,
16 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Edible Arrangements Save up to 25% off on select Valentine's Day gifts and get free next-day delivery on orders of $79 or more.—
Bebe Hodges,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
14 Feb. 2026
-
The style code for the Nike Air Max 95 OG Big Bubble SP Neon Paisley Bandana is IQ0620-100and it’s expected to be released in limited quantities from select retailers.—
Riley Jones,
Footwear News,
14 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
At a Wednesday meeting, the panel favored The Boring Company over two competitors, one of which expressed concerns about the practicality of drilling tunnels in Florida, according to public records obtained this week by the Orlando Sentinel.—
Skyler Swisher,
The Orlando Sentinel,
15 Feb. 2026
-
Interior designer Sussan Wemlinger specifically points to the 1980s and early 1990s, when design trends favored using a single pattern throughout a room, from walls and window treatments to furniture and even lampshades.—
Kristina McGuirk,
Better Homes & Gardens,
15 Feb. 2026
Verb
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On his way to the dressing room, Gudas picked some snow off the ice and kissed it.—
Kevin Baxter,
Los Angeles Times,
18 Feb. 2026
-
The council recently picked a fight with Friends of the Library, with the council questioning whether to accept $825,000 from the group.—
The Editorial Board,
Oc Register,
18 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Contestants Cirie Fields, Season 42 challenge beast Jonathan Young, and Season 48 favorite Joe Hunter are trailing far behind Bracco in both markets.—
Anthony Robledo,
USA Today,
19 Feb. 2026
-
One of Griffey’s favorite memories from that first WBC was the reaction from teammate Todd Jones after Griffey hit a home run in a 17-0 rout of South Africa.—
C. Trent Rosecrans,
New York Times,
19 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Palmerston enjoyed a friendly rivalry with Britain’s most famous cat, 10 Downing Street’s Larry, who just celebrated 15 years in his post.—
Lex Harvey,
CNN Money,
17 Feb. 2026
-
Argentines join celebrations in Buenos Aires Thousands of Argentines gathered in Buenos Aires’ Chinatown to celebrate the Lunar New Year and enjoyed dragon and lion dances on the main stage, alongside martial arts demonstrations.—
Ken Moritsugu,
Los Angeles Times,
17 Feb. 2026
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 21 Feb. 2026.
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