1
as in to like
to show partiality toward
I generally prefer chocolate ice cream over vanilla
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to choose
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.
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Recent Examples of prefer
Unlike his contemporary, the science fiction author Jules Verne, who imagined a technologically facilitated journey to the Moon, Flammarion preferred a type of spiritual journey.
—
Matthew Shindell, Space.com, 29 June 2025
As for front court options, the Kings would prefer to find a power forward/center type who pairs well with Domantas Sabonis and allows Keegan Murray to spend more time at small forward.
—Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 29 June 2025
Keno prefers biscuit mixes in particular for their versatility.
—Kristine Gill, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 June 2025
He was immediately impressed by the candidate’s penchant for speaking unapologetically on issues many prefer to sidestep, from new taxes on business to his opposition to Israel’s war in Gaza.
—Kairi Lowery, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for prefer
Matthew Shindell, Space.com, 29 June 2025
As for front court options, the Kings would prefer to find a power forward/center type who pairs well with Domantas Sabonis and allows Keegan Murray to spend more time at small forward.
—Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 29 June 2025
Keno prefers biscuit mixes in particular for their versatility.
—Kristine Gill, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 June 2025
He was immediately impressed by the candidate’s penchant for speaking unapologetically on issues many prefer to sidestep, from new taxes on business to his opposition to Israel’s war in Gaza.
—Kairi Lowery, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for prefer
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prefer
Verb
-
And every player likes to be in a good environment like that.—
Sebastian Stafford-Bloor,
New York Times,
29 June 2025
-
The designs were situated over three floors, where guests were allowed to select a Levi’s item and customize it to [their] liking with graphics, rhinestones, and other embellishments.—
Essence,
Essence,
29 June 2025
Verb
-
And the God, who is an omnipotent God, in many ways become impotent, because God has given us the gift to choose.—
Scott Simon,
NPR,
28 June 2025
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This investigation can finally create price transparency in Florida, empowering patients to choose the best care at the best prices.—
Cynthia A Fisher,
The Orlando Sentinel,
28 June 2025
Verb
-
Book the garden room and enjoy breakfast each morning on your sunny private terrace.—
Monica Mendal,
Vogue,
1 July 2025
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Depending on the season, beach lovers can snorkel, surf, swim with the dolphins or enjoy some whale watching.—
Sherrie Nachman,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2025
Verb
-
Even before Optimal Dynamics was selected, management talked to operations and explained that a better, more automated way of running the business was needed.—
Steve Banker,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2025
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Only the Phoenix Mercury’s Alyssa Thomas — who could be among the 12 All-Star Game reserves, which will be selected by the league’s head coaches and announced this Sunday — has more assists per game (9.3), and she’s touched the hardwood in 12 contests this season.—
Scott Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
1 July 2025
Verb
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Tiller echoes that sentiment, favoring powder over pomade for a more diffused look.—
Jailynn Taylor,
Allure,
26 June 2025
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Fortune also favors the really, really, extremely, incredibly lucky.—
Mac Engel,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
26 June 2025
Verb
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Since its Sundance debut, the film has played many festivals, from Cannes to Independent Film Festival Boston, which picked Sorry, Baby as the capstone for this year’s edition of the fest.—
Andy Crump,
Time,
26 June 2025
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Premium frozen fruit, picked and frozen at peak ripeness, is often better than fresh fruit.—
Carolynn Carreño,
Los Angeles Times,
26 June 2025
Verb
-
Who wants to read an article by someone who has nothing but contempt for you?—
Jim Cramer,
CNBC,
23 June 2025
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Trump also wants the Federal Reserve to lower rates, another goal that would be set back by higher inflation.—
Shane Croucher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
23 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Prefer.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prefer. Accessed 7 Jul. 2025.
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