preferred 1 of 2

adjective

pri-ˈfərd How to pronounce preferred (audio)
Definition of preferrednext
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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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
Adjective
And until advanced age intervened, tap-dancing was his preferred form of exercise. — Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 15 Oct. 2026 The preferred method of managing beaver is not to hunt or trap them. — Andrew McKean, Outdoor Life, 15 Oct. 2026
Verb
The analysis also shows Republican candidates were more likely than Democrats to vote on Election Day in recent years, while Democrats strongly preferred to vote early in person. — David Wickert, AJC.com, 12 Oct. 2026 Hochul has preferred to do press conferences highlighting her records, instead of engaging in any direct confrontation with Blakeman. — Marcia Kramer, CBS News, 12 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for preferred
Recent Examples of Synonyms for preferred
  1. selected
  2. liked
  3. picked
  4. select
  5. favored
  6. favorite
  7. enjoyed
  8. chosen
Adjective
  • The Pope Leo Village Homes initiative is underway in Bronzeville with five of the seven area homes under construction and two with selected homeowners.
    — Everett Eaton, jsonline.com, 21 Aug. 2026
  • 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
Definition of selected
Verb
  • Overcast Milan was looking even grayer than I’d have liked, but I was heartened by a gracious welcome at the Park Hyatt, tucked away on a side street of the Piazza del Duomo.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Oct. 2026
  • Well, my dad was one of those guys that really liked the Beatles and the Stones.
    — Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 10 Oct. 2026
Definition of liked
Verb
  • Paul picked three wickets in the 19th over to wrap up the innings.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 14 Oct. 2026
  • The effect was clear in Nevada’s 2024 Senate race, which Democrats narrowly won as nearly 5 percent of voters picked a candidate outside the two major parties.
    — semafor.com, semafor.com, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of picked
Adjective
  • John Fogerty, rising singer-songwriter Emma Ogier, and others are slated to open on select dates.
    — Angie Martoccio, Rolling Stone, 16 Oct. 2026
  • In practice, that means defaults can differ meaningfully between full-service and select-service properties within the same loyalty portfolio.
    — Ashley Lynch, Kansas City Star, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of select
Verb
  • In 2003, however, Kember made a splash with Forged Prescriptions, a re-release that favored fuller mixes and extra overdubs which the band had jettisoned owing to the difficulty of reproducing them.
    — Gabriel Szatan, Pitchfork, 18 Oct. 2026
  • Democrats are favored to flip the House and remain competitive in the Senate, according to the Cook Political Report with Amy Walter, forcing the GOP to burn millions protecting once-safe seats while abandoning former pickup targets.
    — Luke Fountain, CNBC, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of favored
Adjective
  • Our customers pair all of their favorite knits back to their favorite pair of jeans that’s vintage or what not.
    — Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 14 Oct. 2026
  • Ahead, find our favorite chocolate brown suede pieces for fall, including boots, flats, and several fun ways to accessorize.
    — Jessie Quinn, StyleCaster, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of favorite
Verb
  • The luxury property is located along Mexico's Riviera Nayarit coast, where the women enjoyed beach outings and spa treatments.
    — Danielle Minnetian, FOXNews.com, 15 Oct. 2026
  • Her cart included a Wegmans strawberry shortcake that her family in New York enjoyed during the holidays.
    — Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of enjoyed
Adjective
  • Popular culture really likes to lionize chosen families.
    — Natasha O'Neill, Vanity Fair, 9 June 2026
Definition of chosen

Browse Nearby Words

preferments
preferred
preferring
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Cite this Entry

“Preferred.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/preferred. Accessed 18 Oct. 2026.

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