PREFERRING Synonyms: 97 Similar and Opposite Words

preferring 1 of 2

adjective

as in choosing

Related Words

Relevance

Dissimilar Words

preferring

2 of 2

verb

present participle of prefer

as in liking

to show partiality toward I generally prefer chocolate ice cream over vanilla

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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 preferring

Verb

While wealthy watch buyers can easily afford the extra tax, some are preferring to hold off on purchases or deliveries until the tariff is lifted or lowered, industry analysts say. — Robert Frank, CNBC, 26 Sep. 2026 But for those preferring an LLM-free life, user can program the unit with MicroPython and Arduino C++. — New Atlas, 25 Sep. 2026 When a text means something more The café example is an easy one to dismiss as younger workers preferring texting and feeling that phone calls are for important occasions only. — Jeff Leblanc, The Conversation, 25 Sep. 2026 The first part of the process happens in a fight camp, with Rickards preferring to start work between eight and 12 weeks from a bout. — Sarah Shephard, New York Times, 10 Sep. 2026 Trump rejected this approach, preferring to embrace the Democratic strategy of making the midterm election about him. — Aidan McLaughlin, Vanity Fair, 10 Sep. 2026 Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson said some members of his caucus plan to skip Dallas, preferring to stay home and campaign for reelection, but many of them will make an appearance. — Jill Colvin, Los Angeles Times, 9 Sep. 2026 The European Commission hit Google with a hefty 460 million euro ($543 million) fine in July for preferring its own services in searches for travel and shopping. — Ryan Whitwam, ArsTechnica, 8 Sep. 2026 Singh remains modest about his efforts, preferring the spotlight be on the sweets. — Melissa May, CBS News, 8 Sep. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for preferring

Verb

Simply liking someone, feeling close to them or spending hours together isn’t enough to create an attachment relationship.

— Pascal Vrticka, Scientific American, 4 Oct. 2026
Their incoming new owner inspired huge enthusiasm among fans by ‘liking’ the club’s Instagram post celebrating the victory.

— Dermot Corrigan, New York Times, 4 Oct. 2026

Definition of liking

Verb

Many questioned the Dodgers choosing to pitch Skubal in Saturday’s opener while slotting Blake Snell into Sunday’s spot and leaving last season’s playoff hero Yoshinobu Yamamoto on the bench until Game 3.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 3 Oct. 2026
The screen just isn't that colorful, which puts it at a disadvantage for everything from designing a flyer to choosing the right photo for a social media post.

— Marshall Honorof, PC Magazine, 3 Oct. 2026

Definition of choosing

Verb

As the Iran war continued — and central banks worldwide began raising rates — members began favoring a hike, with three members wanting a quarter-point hike.

— Taylor Millard, The Washington Examiner, 3 Oct. 2026
Frequency climbs, engagement slips and the platform starts favoring other ads long before the marketing team concludes anything needs to change.

— Matt Jayson, Forbes.com, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of favoring

Verb

The Kansas City Board of Police Commissioners will be tasked with selecting the department’s new leader.

— Nathan Pilling, Kansas City Star, 2 Oct. 2026
The Justice Department joined the UCLA medical school suit in January and issued a finding in May accusing the school of intentionally considering race in selecting students.

— Jaweed Kaleem, Los Angeles Times, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of selecting

Verb

Zada is also the rare actor who admits to watching his own performances—and enjoying them.

— Rebecca Ford, Vanity Fair, 2 Oct. 2026
With the bread flour, the end result is a lovely, crowd-pleasing bun that’s great for snacking on its own or enjoying alongside a special holiday meal.

— Hana Asbrink, Bon Appetit Magazine, 1 Oct. 2026

Definition of enjoying

Verb

For owners, picking the right capital provider is a major decision that can shape the future of their enterprise.

— Frank Williamson, Forbes.com, 1 Oct. 2026
Florida Lottery players went one for four on Wednesday’s big money draw game jackpots, the lone winner picking the numbers at a Publix.

— David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 1 Oct. 2026

Definition of picking

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preferred

preferring

prefers

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Style

“Preferring.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/preferring. Accessed 8 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of preferring

adjective

verb

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