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

Economists also watch it because some of its components, notably healthcare and financial services, flow into the Fed’s preferred inflation gauge — the personal consumption expenditures, or PCE, index. — Paul Wiseman, Fortune, 16 July 2026

The announcement, made by state park officials Monday — a day before National Nude Day — drew mixed reactions from conservationists and naturists, the preferred term for people who enjoy being nude in public settings. — Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 16 July 2026

Each of them were actually regulars at the Polo Lounge, and those were actually their preferred tables. — Elise Taylor, Vanity Fair, 16 July 2026

Alex Crippen Choose CNBC as your preferred source on Google and never miss a moment from the most trusted name in business news. — Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 15 July 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