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

Speaking before the Leeds game, Amorim hinted at differences of opinion relating to the 3-4-3 formation and an inability to sign the players his preferred system requires. —David Ornstein, New York Times, 5 Jan. 2026

Costco’s stock chart is also starting to look more attractive, according to Cramer’s favorite chartist, Larry Williams, who flagged Costco as one of his preferred setups. —Paulina Likos, CNBC, 5 Jan. 2026

Inflation progress may stall It's been a bumpy decline down to the Federal Reserve's preferred 2% inflation rate. —Matt Richardson, CBS News, 5 Jan. 2026

Offer a versatile lineup of play structures Every child has a preferred way of learning that is carried into adulthood. —Connie Etemadi, USA Today, 5 Jan. 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