1
as in likes
to show partiality toward
I generally prefer chocolate ice cream over vanilla
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in chooses
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 prefers
Everything within us prefers to be right.
—
Tim Maurer, Forbes.com, 14 Sep. 2025
But Nate Bargatze – who will host the Emmys for the first time this Sunday – prefers to keep things clean.
—Elizabeth Wagmeister, CNN Money, 12 Sep. 2025
Elliott could play there, but prefers to work inside the pitch.
—Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2025
The pop icon prefers a vanilla latte with caramel creamer.
—Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Sep. 2025
But Brittany is a dramatic lash girl and prefers thicker lashes over long and feathery.
—Elizabeth Denton, StyleCaster, 9 Sep. 2025
After paying a tax the past two seasons, the Heat prefers not to pay a tax this season.
—Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 9 Sep. 2025
The foster caregiver, who wished to remain anonymous, said that, while Fleece prefers to curl up in blankets, Flannel is already more adventurous.
—Alice Gibbs, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Sep. 2025
Still, Putin prefers experienced and talented technocrats for the most responsible positions, such as governors and ministers.
—Andrei Kolesnikov, Foreign Affairs, 8 Sep. 2025
Tim Maurer, Forbes.com, 14 Sep. 2025
But Nate Bargatze – who will host the Emmys for the first time this Sunday – prefers to keep things clean.
—Elizabeth Wagmeister, CNN Money, 12 Sep. 2025
Elliott could play there, but prefers to work inside the pitch.
—Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2025
The pop icon prefers a vanilla latte with caramel creamer.
—Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Sep. 2025
But Brittany is a dramatic lash girl and prefers thicker lashes over long and feathery.
—Elizabeth Denton, StyleCaster, 9 Sep. 2025
After paying a tax the past two seasons, the Heat prefers not to pay a tax this season.
—Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 9 Sep. 2025
The foster caregiver, who wished to remain anonymous, said that, while Fleece prefers to curl up in blankets, Flannel is already more adventurous.
—Alice Gibbs, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Sep. 2025
Still, Putin prefers experienced and talented technocrats for the most responsible positions, such as governors and ministers.
—Andrei Kolesnikov, Foreign Affairs, 8 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prefers
Verb
-
Andrew Santino likes to push the envelope.—
Ethan Shanfeld,
Variety,
10 Sep. 2025
-
Morgan Jasper likes to switch it up, so Tinika helps get me into my multiple wigs throughout the show.—
Akili King,
Essence,
10 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
However, the suspension of the de minimis rule now means that lower value shipments will now be subject to an additional 10% to 50% levy that coincides with the tariff rate of the country of origin, or a flat rate of $80 to $200, depending on which option the seller chooses.—
Rhett Buttle,
Forbes.com,
15 Sep. 2025
-
Whichever variation of back four Guardiola chooses, none of them look like keeping a clean sheet at the moment.—
Carl Anka,
New York Times,
14 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
But perhaps, no breakfast dish enjoys a closer relationship with the South than biscuits and gravy.—
Taylor Tobin,
Southern Living,
12 Sep. 2025
-
Known for its iconic beaches and outdoor lifestyle, Sydney enjoys 2,468 hours of sunshine annually, 239 parks, and 368 spas and wellness centers.—
Soo Kim,
MSNBC Newsweek,
11 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
If the winner selects the annuity option, the claimant will receive one immediate payment followed by 29 annual payments that increase by 5% each year.—
Medora Lee,
USA Today,
4 Sep. 2025
-
Sifford will hold the position for two years unless the commission selects a replacement before then.—
Nora O'Neill,
Charlotte Observer,
3 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
The hour favors features and longer interviews over breaking news, which appealed to Santaniello.—
Ross Raihala,
Twin Cities,
10 Sep. 2025
-
This week, the Cleveland Browns take on the Baltimore Ravens, and this actually favors Tillman.—
Steve Bradshaw,
Forbes.com,
10 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Keep scrolling to shop some of my favorite under-$10 picks.—
Izzy Baskette,
PEOPLE,
16 Sep. 2025
-
Murphy won't come cheap, but a package headlined by Kuminga and picks would definitely be a good starting point for New Orleans.—
Noah Camras,
MSNBC Newsweek,
16 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Their simple plan goes awry when one of their relatives wants a posh Korean wedding banquet in the heartfelt romantic comedy.—
Brian Truitt,
USA Today,
13 Sep. 2025
-
If your toddler wants to listen to even more music after school, start with this playlist, which is just over 30 minutes.—
Elisabeth Sherman,
Parents,
12 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Prefers.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prefers. Accessed 17 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share