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

Aguirre, now 67, may not fit the profile of clubs’ preferred managerial shortlists. — Colin Millar, New York Times, 4 July 2026 Of SpaceX’s 78 launches of the Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy this year, this was just the third carrying a payload heading for geostationary orbit, once the preferred destination for nearly all commercial communications satellites. — Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 3 July 2026

Verb

Historically, younger patients have preferred trying a better diet and more exercise as opposed to starting statins or blood pressure pills, Anderson said, but that may no longer be the case. — Elizabeth Cooney, STAT, 1 July 2026 Pochettino would have preferred that reality reflected better on Thursday. — Tom Bogert, New York Times, 1 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

OpenAI and Elon Musk picked the same Thursday to go head to head.

— Jon Markman, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026
Created in honor of Birds Georgia’s 100-year birthday, the Georgia Birding Trail is a network of locations picked based on accessibility, amenities and wildlife viewing potential, including habitats such as Murphey Candler Park and Reed Creek Park.

— Lesly Gregory, AJC.com, 9 July 2026

Definition of picked

Adjective

Enjoy benefits like skipping the counter at select locations, adding an additional driver at no additional cost*, and vehicle upgrades**.

— Jason Stauffer, CNBC, 6 July 2026
Available for purchase now on Disneyland’s website, the 1-day, 1-park Disneyland Resort Evening Ticket is valid for select nights at either Disneyland Park or Disney California Adventure Park.

— Carly Caramanna, Travel + Leisure, 6 July 2026

Definition of select

Verb

For instance, France is favored more by markets, reflecting factors beyond pure team strength, while Argentina and Morocco show higher probabilities in the FIFA model.

— Giovanni Malloy, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026
Gucci, a label Swift has long favored for black tie; Louis Vuitton by Nicolas Ghesquière; and Givenchy by Sarah Burton.

— Merle Ginsberg, HollywoodReporter, 4 July 2026

Definition of favored

Adjective

Made out of 80 percent cotton, these pants will feel like your favorite pair of sweats—all while looking like one of the most fashion-forward people on your flight.

— Caroline Hughes, Travel + Leisure, 8 July 2026
The hot dogs can also be ordered sans caviar and with any standard toppings — Messina suggests his favorite combo of sauerkraut and mustard — but going big is part of the appeal.

— Stephanie Breijo, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2026

Definition of favorite

Verb

After its Locarno debut, the film won the Silver Hugo at the Chicago International Film Festival and Best Debut from The German Film Critics’ Association and also enjoyed a buzzy North American release via Oscilloscope Laboratories.

— Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 9 July 2026
The Reting Rinpoche dispatched a search team of high lamas, who soon heard about a precocious 2-year-old who enjoyed larking inside chicken coops but also frequently spoke yearningly about making a long journey to Lhasa.

— Charlie Campbell, Time, 9 July 2026

Definition of enjoyed

Browse Nearby Words

preferments

preferred

preferring

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Style

“Preferred.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/preferred. Accessed 12 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of preferred

adjective

verb

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