Synonyms of preferred

preferred 1 of 2

adjective

pri-ˈfərd 

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

• selected
• select
• favorite
• favored
• chosen
• elect
• choice
• picked
• first-line
• handpicked
• of choice
• cherry-picked
• fashionable
• exclusive
• screened
• weeded (out)
• culled
• winnowed (out)
• picked over

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• common
• average
• ordinary
• commonplace
• run-of-the-mill

preferred

2 of 2

verb

past tense of prefer

1

as in liked

to show partiality toward

I generally prefer chocolate ice cream over vanilla

Synonyms & Similar Words

• liked
• favored
• enjoyed
• chose
• wanted
• picked
• selected
• desired
• cared (for)
• leaned (toward or towards)
• went in for
• relished
• appreciated
• was partial to
• adored
• fancied
• delighted (in)
• admired
• named
• craved
• wished (for)
• coveted
• dug
• grooved (on)
• biased
• culled
• took
• singled (out)
• prejudiced
• valued
• reveled (in)
• tended (to)
• handpicked
• cherished
• inclined (toward)
• cottoned (to)
• prized
• treasured
• hankered (for or after)

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• disliked
• hated
• loathed
• detested
• abhorred
• refused
• rejected
• declined
• turned down
• misliked
• disfavored
• discarded
• abominated
• jettisoned
• threw away
• threw out

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

• selected
• chose
• picked
• named
• elected
• took
• designated
• opted (for)
• culled
• tagged
• singled (out)
• handpicked
• accepted
• nominated
• adopted
• cherry-picked
• appointed
• preselected
• marked
• tapped
• embraced
• set
• fixed
• espoused
• settled (on or upon)
• tabbed

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• refused
• rejected
• declined
• turned down
• disapproved
• repudiated
• discarded
• spurned
• negatived
• threw out
• jettisoned
• threw away

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of preferred

Adjective

The backtracking illustrates how the politics of criminal justice have shifted since 2020, posing dilemmas for Democrats’ midterm strategy and their ability to enact their preferred solutions. — ABC News, 31 July 2026

Shot put is Hwang’s preferred event, but there aren’t enough throwers in her classification for the event to be held at the Olympics. — Kansas City Star, 31 July 2026

Verb

Slot, however, has preferred to take his time and wait for the perfect opportunity. — Gregg Evans, New York Times, 31 July 2026

People also reported at the time that Combs’ legal team preferred Combs carry out his sentence at FCI Fort Dix, a low-security prison in New Jersey, because of its treatment program and proximity to his family. — Alexandra Del Rosario, Los Angeles Times, 30 July 2026