preferred

adjective

pre·​ferred pri-ˈfərd 

1

: liked better or best : used or wanted in preference to others

a preferred method

'Leveled' is the preferred spelling in American English.

2

: having special status or receiving special treatment or benefits

preferred customers

Synonyms of preferred

• selected
• select
• favorite
• favored
• chosen

Examples of preferred in a Sentence

my preferred means of communication is e-mail

Recent Examples on the Web

That’s generally been their preferred method, as the Yanks haven’t committed big money to a free agent reliever since Zack Britton ($39 million) and Adam Ottavino ($27 million) signed three-year contracts in January 2019. —Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 16 Feb. 2026

Most typically vote like partisans, in favor of their preferred party. —Nick Coltrain, Denver Post, 16 Feb. 2026

Tossing a Tide pod inside your washing machine, selecting your preferred wash cycle, and pressing start sounds simple enough. —Katelyn Chef, Southern Living, 16 Feb. 2026

Digital crossfire Much of the primary acrimony is driven by online influencers, many outside of Texas, who amplify narratives to promote their preferred candidate, often with quiet campaign cooperation. —Gromer Jeffers Jr, Dallas Morning News, 16 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1748, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Phrases Containing preferred

• preferred provider
• preferred provider organization
• preferred stock

Rhymes for preferred

• afterword
• firebird
• hummingbird
• ladybird
• mockingbird
• overheard
• thunderbird
• undergird
• undeterred
• absurd
• averred
• bluebird