preference

noun

ˈpre-fərn(t)s
Definition of preferencenext
1
as in favorite
a person or thing that is preferred over others my preference is soul music

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in liking
positive regard for something a preference for cool weather

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in option
the power, right, or opportunity to choose he was promised his preference when the time came to repaint his bedroom

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in promotion
a raising or a state of being raised to a higher rank or position a long-sought preference to the position of naval commander

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun preference contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of preference are alternative, choice, election, option, and selection. While all these words mean "the act or opportunity of choosing or the thing chosen," preference suggests a choice guided by one's judgment or predilections.

a preference for cool weather

When is it sensible to use alternative instead of preference?

The words alternative and preference can be used in similar contexts, but alternative implies a need to choose one and reject another possibility.

equally attractive alternatives

In what contexts can choice take the place of preference?

The meanings of choice and preference largely overlap; however, choice suggests the opportunity or privilege of choosing freely.

freedom of choice

When is election a more appropriate choice than preference?

While in some cases nearly identical to preference, election implies an end or purpose which requires exercise of judgment.

doing a tax return forces certain elections on you

When can option be used instead of preference?

Although the words option and preference have much in common, option implies a power to choose that is specifically granted or guaranteed.

the option of paying now or later

When would selection be a good substitute for preference?

The words selection and preference are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, selection implies a range of choice.

a varied selection of furniture

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for preference
  1. favorite
  2. liking
  3. option
  4. promotion
  5. like
  6. choice
  7. advancement
  8. appetite
Noun
  • This cookie, made with a deliciously crispy exterior of cornflakes, has a perfectly sweet interior thanks to maraschino cherries—a forever childhood favorite.
    — Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 7 June 2025
  • My personal favorite was the giant prawns, served with corn and chojang.
    — Susmita Baral, Travel + Leisure, 7 June 2025
Definition of favorite
Noun
  • Exchanges are not for comparing notes or calling each other’s attention to something that was not done to your liking.
    — Jann Blackstone, Boston Herald, 25 May 2025
  • But that xG-against figure is too high for Chelsea’s liking in any case.
    — Liam Twomey, New York Times, 10 May 2025
Definition of liking
Noun
  • One option was to book more celebrities or care about Instagram followers.
    — Hershal Pandya, Vulture, 28 May 2025
  • Supporting emails, poems, blog posts, essays, stories, code, and images, Creator Answer offers contextual suggestions and customization options for each type of content.
    — William Jones, USA Today, 28 May 2025
Definition of option
Noun
  • Kroger The chain grocery store is offering a digital coupon for Private Selection 6-pack of Angus Beef Chuck Patties — normally $12.99, but $6.99 with the National Hamburger Day promotion.
    — Rachel Raposas, People.com, 27 May 2025
  • Also keep in mind, travel advisers could have access to different promotions and discount codes, so seek their help to save money, said Wilkerson.
    — Francine Knowles, Chicago Tribune, 26 May 2025
Definition of promotion
Noun
  • From the likes of Adam Grant and Trevor Noah this year, to Michelle Obama, Brené Brown, Amal Clooney, and others in past years, this conference explores a wide range of topics.
    — Laurel Donnellan, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025
  • Odd Future alumni include the likes of Frank Ocean, Earl Sweatshirt, and Syd, who, through their comedy sketches and outrageous beats, would go on on to change the face of music-making, one genre-defying, agenda-setting project at a time.
    — Riann Phillip, Vogue, 27 May 2025
Definition of like
Noun
  • Goal of the season This was a choice between Bowen’s superb strike from outside the box against Ipswich and his volley against Forest.
    — Roshane Thomas, New York Times, 28 May 2025
  • Columnist Jarrett Bell explores the difficult choice.
    — Jacob Camenker, USA Today, 27 May 2025
Definition of choice
Noun
  • Do any technological advancements really surprise you anymore?
    — Joe Cermele, Outdoor Life, 5 June 2025
  • Communities that have historically been at the back of the line for technological advancements can now potentially leapfrog to implementing cutting-edge solutions tailored to their specific needs.
    — Dr. Sreeram Mullankandy, Forbes.com, 5 June 2025
Definition of advancement
Noun
  • Daytime sleepiness, trouble sleeping, cough, stuffy nose, and poor appetite can occur in many acute and chronic early childhood illnesses.
    — Anuradha Varanasi, Forbes.com, 31 May 2025
  • Donna previously opened up to PEOPLE about her sons’ big appetites growing up.
    — Rachel McRady, People.com, 28 May 2025
Definition of appetite
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Cite this Entry

“Preference.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/preference. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on preference

Nglish: Translation of preference for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about preference

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