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
  • My favorites are clear after my testing: the Drybar Double-Shot ($155) and the T3 AireBrush Round ($160).
    — Nena Farrell, Wired News, 20 Apr. 2025
  • That could happen again in the playoffs, as OKC will be heavy favorites in this first-round series.
    — Nick Crain, Forbes.com, 20 Apr. 2025
Definition of favorite
Noun
  • Plus, the straps can be tightened or loosened to your liking.
    — Emily Weaver, People.com, 5 Apr. 2025
  • Within the last probably year or two, she's really taken a special liking to watching Jaylin play.
    — Paul Du Quenoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Mar. 2025
Definition of liking
Noun
  • Secura French Press Secura French Press $36 Amazon Another budget-friendly option that still manages to look sleek, Secura’s French press performed similarly to the SterlingPro, but offers a matte black option in addition to a stainless steel finish.
    — Adam Campbell-Schmitt, Bon Appetit Magazine, 9 Apr. 2025
  • But top online sportsbook BetOnline offers Masters Props and specials with group betting options on golfers by country, former Masters champions, top LIV Golfer along with top left-handed golfer, with odds below along with (odds) to win the Masters.
    — Jay Ginsbach, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
Definition of option
Noun
  • In the past, only non-discounted stays qualified for free dining deals, but next year, guests will be able to couple that benefit with other promotions.
    — Eve Chen, USA Today, 22 Apr. 2025
  • Even before the current wave of promotions, college students had established themselves as AI’s power users.
    — Lila Shroff, The Atlantic, 21 Apr. 2025
Definition of promotion
Noun
  • Yes, there are three previous Palme d’Or winners in the lineup, but the likes of Mascha Schilinski, Hafsia Herzi and Chie Hayakawa, let alone Julie Ducournau and Carla Simon, represent a potential new wave of filmmakers.
    — Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Specializing in designing tours for high-profile celebrities, and entertainment events, the agency has created stages for the likes of the Grammy Awards, the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest, the 2024 EE BAFTA Awards, and the VMAs.
    — Isabela Raygoza, Billboard, 10 Apr. 2025
Definition of like
Noun
  • Ellie rides up the exact same trail, sees the exact same thing, and makes a choice to go look for Joel.
    — Katcy Stephan, Variety, 21 Apr. 2025
  • For those not skilled in cooking, baking, or crafting, a bottle of wine may seem like an obvious choice for a host gift.
    — Betsy Cribb Watson, Southern Living, 21 Apr. 2025
Definition of choice
Noun
  • In fact, researchers have theorized that fusion could generate nearly limitless amounts of safe and clean energy on Earth, but the scientific advancements that could make this possible on a large scale are still decades away.
    — Margherita Bassi, Smithsonian Magazine, 18 Apr. 2025
  • The announcement marks the first advancement toward a full agreement that was thrown into jeopardy by rounds of tense talks and Zelensky's disastrous White House visit in February.
    — Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Apr. 2025
Definition of advancement
Noun
  • The sweeping scope of Trump’s appetite for institutionalized retaliation has changed the threat landscape for everyone, almost overnight.
    — Julia Angwin, New Yorker, 12 Apr. 2025
  • Pets may appear lethargic, exhibit loss of appetite, vomit or have diarrhea.
    — David Faris, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Apr. 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 24 Apr. 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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