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
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Recent Examples of prefers
The bottom line is that Emery doesn’t trust Elliott to carry out his specific tactical instructions and prefers other players instead.
—
James Pearce, New York Times, 3 Feb. 2026
Many on Wall Street view Warsh as an inflation hawk, someone who prefers higher rates to keep a lid on prices.
—Matt Egan, CNN Money, 2 Feb. 2026
But the acorn woodpecker is a resident bird that prefers to remain here and has developed a unique process of gathering and storing acorns to sustain the clan until the next crop is produced.
—Ernie Cowan, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 Feb. 2026
Sergio prefers soccer and has played for Real Murcia's youth team since 2024, according to Spanish broadcaster Onda Regional.
—Emily Blackwood, PEOPLE, 1 Feb. 2026
The Myth of Apolitical Expertise The strongest argument for these reforms begins with a basic truth polite Washington culture prefers to ignore.
—James Broughel, Forbes.com, 30 Jan. 2026
Warsh is a frequent Fed critic who prefers lower interest rates, yet is also a fiscal moderate who is more cautious about deploying heavy monetary strategies, USA TODAY reported.
—Jenna Prestininzi, Freep.com, 30 Jan. 2026
The film’s vintage patina doesn’t detract from rising actor Will Price’s confident performance as an immature mobster who prefers bitcoin to stacks of Benjamins.
—Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 30 Jan. 2026
Instead of steaming, Kaifer prefers high-heat cooking.
—Amber Love Bond, Southern Living, 29 Jan. 2026
James Pearce, New York Times, 3 Feb. 2026
Many on Wall Street view Warsh as an inflation hawk, someone who prefers higher rates to keep a lid on prices.
—Matt Egan, CNN Money, 2 Feb. 2026
But the acorn woodpecker is a resident bird that prefers to remain here and has developed a unique process of gathering and storing acorns to sustain the clan until the next crop is produced.
—Ernie Cowan, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 Feb. 2026
Sergio prefers soccer and has played for Real Murcia's youth team since 2024, according to Spanish broadcaster Onda Regional.
—Emily Blackwood, PEOPLE, 1 Feb. 2026
The Myth of Apolitical Expertise The strongest argument for these reforms begins with a basic truth polite Washington culture prefers to ignore.
—James Broughel, Forbes.com, 30 Jan. 2026
Warsh is a frequent Fed critic who prefers lower interest rates, yet is also a fiscal moderate who is more cautious about deploying heavy monetary strategies, USA TODAY reported.
—Jenna Prestininzi, Freep.com, 30 Jan. 2026
The film’s vintage patina doesn’t detract from rising actor Will Price’s confident performance as an immature mobster who prefers bitcoin to stacks of Benjamins.
—Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 30 Jan. 2026
Instead of steaming, Kaifer prefers high-heat cooking.
—Amber Love Bond, Southern Living, 29 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prefers
Verb
-
At first, Hayley seems to be the doting assistant, albeit one who also likes to go out and hook up and take drugs.—
Alex Ritman,
Variety,
26 Jan. 2026
-
Willing tackler who likes to hit.—
Tony Catalina,
Austin American Statesman,
26 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Some of that $370 billion in exports could be at risk if the EU chooses to buy those goods and products elsewhere.—
Tom Zirpoli,
Baltimore Sun,
3 Feb. 2026
-
If Detroit chooses to waive a player to create a roster spot for Jenkins, Isaac Jones could be a likely candidate.—
Hunter Patterson,
New York Times,
3 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
The royal family enjoys hunting, fishing, and horseback riding on the property.—
Emma Banks,
InStyle,
4 Feb. 2026
-
Sara also enjoys photographing sports.—
Sara Diggins,
Austin American Statesman,
4 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Rick Warner, the director of film studies at the University of North Carolina, deliberately selects films with slow pacing and subtle details, such as Chantal Akerman’s Jeanne Dielman, 23 quai du Commerce, 1080 Bruxelles, a three-hour movie that mostly follows a woman doing chores in her apartment.—
Rose Horowitch,
The Atlantic,
30 Jan. 2026
-
The program selects 100 students who are entering their junior year of college.—
Kimberly Wilson,
Essence,
30 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Queen Maxima often favors colorful displays and whimsical variations on daytime dress, from vibrant blue pantsuits by Max Mara to textural midi dresses with statement headpieces and more by Natan.—
Julia Teti,
Footwear News,
3 Feb. 2026
-
This is also not a partisan argument that differentially favors one party over another.—
Michelle A. Williams,
STAT,
2 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Nnaji and picks for Jones might sound pretty nice to Denver fans, but basketball reasons aside, why would the Magic agree to that when its goal would also be to decrease payroll?—
Bennett Durando,
Denver Post,
1 Feb. 2026
-
The three-team deal included the Chicago Bulls, who received veteran Dario Saric and future second-round draft picks from Sacramento and Cleveland.—
HECTOR AMEZCUA,
Sacbee.com,
1 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Red Hill wants to change that in partnership with nearby business, housing complexes and University City Partners, a nonprofit that advocates for economic development in the area.—
Desiree Mathurin,
Charlotte Observer,
3 Feb. 2026
-
Premier League football will be a big step up, but there will be no surprises in what Rosenior wants from him on the pitch.—
Anantaajith Raghuraman,
New York Times,
3 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Prefers.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prefers. Accessed 7 Feb. 2026.
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