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

Commercial tax-prep software programs are the preferred method for 44% of tax filers. —Brian Sloan,dan Avery, CNBC, 24 Mar. 2026

From a consumer standpoint, the denial of being able to watch preferred games on account of college football broadcast exclusivity undermines fan interests. —Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 23 Mar. 2026

According to Everlane’s most recent impact report—which came out last April—90 percent of materials used in 2024 met the company’s lower-impact, preferred standards of recycled, organic, responsible or FSC-certified. —Jennifer Bringle, Sourcing Journal, 23 Mar. 2026

The cost of replacing flooring is almost always going to be lower than the cost of refinishing, so refinishing is the preferred option. —Dan Simms, USA Today, 23 Mar. 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