1
as in liking
to show partiality toward
I generally prefer chocolate ice cream over vanilla
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in selecting
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 preferring
Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 May 2026
Giuliani was a reluctant convert, initially preferring New Jersey Governor Chris Christie or former Florida Governor Jeb Bush.
—John Avlon, The Atlantic, 25 May 2026
It shouldn't be dried out, preferring moisture and well-draining, rich soil.
—Shagun Khare, Martha Stewart, 23 May 2026
This is a more traditional approach, with a manager preferring one reliever in the seventh inning, another in the eighth, and a closer (when rested) in the ninth.
—Greg Jewett, New York Times, 21 May 2026
Experts who spoke with CNN had a range of opinions on the value of commodities, with some preferring to stick to stocks and TIPS and others focusing on allocations of up to 20% to commodities.
—John Towfighi, CNN Money, 18 May 2026
The late Pope Francis famously stayed away from the big European centers of Christianity during his 12-year pontificate, preferring instead to visit small Catholic communities far from Rome.
—ABC News, 16 May 2026
Be aware that long-blooming fuchsia can be quite fussy, preferring cooler temperatures, partial shade, and consistently moist soil.
—Gemma Johnstone, The Spruce, 14 May 2026
The practice is now common in gyms, wellness resorts and hotels across the United States, with some people preferring structured spa environments and others opting for lakes, oceans or other outdoor settings.
—Hanna Wickes, Sacbee.com, 9 May 2026
Verb
The service Service is excellent but the staff are a bit more relaxed than other five stars of this caliber, preferring friendliness to formality.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 May 2026
Giuliani was a reluctant convert, initially preferring New Jersey Governor Chris Christie or former Florida Governor Jeb Bush.
—John Avlon, The Atlantic, 25 May 2026
It shouldn't be dried out, preferring moisture and well-draining, rich soil.
—Shagun Khare, Martha Stewart, 23 May 2026
This is a more traditional approach, with a manager preferring one reliever in the seventh inning, another in the eighth, and a closer (when rested) in the ninth.
—Greg Jewett, New York Times, 21 May 2026
Experts who spoke with CNN had a range of opinions on the value of commodities, with some preferring to stick to stocks and TIPS and others focusing on allocations of up to 20% to commodities.
—John Towfighi, CNN Money, 18 May 2026
The late Pope Francis famously stayed away from the big European centers of Christianity during his 12-year pontificate, preferring instead to visit small Catholic communities far from Rome.
—ABC News, 16 May 2026
Be aware that long-blooming fuchsia can be quite fussy, preferring cooler temperatures, partial shade, and consistently moist soil.
—Gemma Johnstone, The Spruce, 14 May 2026
The practice is now common in gyms, wellness resorts and hotels across the United States, with some people preferring structured spa environments and others opting for lakes, oceans or other outdoor settings.
—Hanna Wickes, Sacbee.com, 9 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for preferring
Verb
-
They are born, sometimes, just from not liking each other.—
Troy Renck,
Denver Post,
28 May 2026
-
One man’s modernity is, of course, another’s degradation, and, as dinner was served, the conversation turned to such recent innovations as ghost runners, pitch clocks, and robot umps, none of them to Murray’s liking.—
Ben McGrath,
New Yorker,
18 May 2026
Verb
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When the fabric is right, your comfort is sure to follow — but choosing pieces that are also work-appropriate is trickier.—
Tanya Sharma,
PEOPLE,
29 May 2026
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The lack of clarity makes choosing a company potentially confusing for patients, and the medical profession is partly to blame, said Jamy Ard, an obesity doctor and researcher at Wake Forest University School of Medicine in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.—
Maia Rosenfeld,
NBC news,
29 May 2026
Verb
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Going into Sunday night, odds on betting sites like Polymarket were favoring death for Rue Bennett (Zendaya).—
Bethy Squires,
Vulture,
1 June 2026
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The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee added Moskowitz to their Frontline program Monday, an effort focused on keeping two dozen Democratic incumbents in Congress in Trump-favoring and swing districts.—
Claire Heddles,
Miami Herald,
1 June 2026
Verb
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Look for resistant varieties when selecting tomato plants for the garden.—
Kim Toscano,
Southern Living,
29 May 2026
-
Their tendency for selecting innovative fabrics and producing low quantities meant most consumers were priced out of wearing their designs—a mindset that Herrebrugh and Botter said was born from their formal training and has evolved with more experience.—
Angela Velasquez,
Footwear News,
28 May 2026
Verb
-
The following summer, Shakira shared more pictures of her sons enjoying the water at Wavegarden surf park in Sao Paulo, Brazil.—
Jessica Sager,
PEOPLE,
3 June 2026
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While many fans may be venturing inside the Atlanta Stadium (Mercedes-Benz Stadium) to catch a match, others who couldn't or didn't want to buy match tickets will be enjoying the global tournament from various fan fests or events.—
Irene Wright,
USA Today,
3 June 2026
Verb
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The parliamentary election will decide the next government, with the winning party picking the prime minister.—
Nimi Princewill,
CNN Money,
31 May 2026
-
There is not one set rule on picking a captain, especially for a World Cup.—
Michael Lewis,
Forbes.com,
31 May 2026
Verb
-
The past few seasons have all been about Amanda wanting to open up and find her own voice, but here her voice is once again getting lost in the roar of someone else.—
Brian Moylan,
Vulture,
3 June 2026
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Throughout the season, Idalski talked a lot about wanting Vancouver to be difficult to play against with a strong on-ice identity, much like his college team.—
Hailey Salvian,
New York Times,
2 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Preferring.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/preferring. Accessed 5 Jun. 2026.
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