preference

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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

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.
Recent Examples of preference The policy also led to abortions of female fetuses, abandonment and even infanticide due to the preference for sons, and the ratio between men and women eventually began to skew. David A. Andelman, CNN, 23 Jan. 2023 As in the Maverick case, the plaintiffs in Brackeen v. Haaland claim the preference is based on race, rather than the political sovereignty of tribal nations. Karina Brown, Anchorage Daily News, 7 Jan. 2023 The preference for remote work was especially salient for women of color, LGBT women, or women with disabilities. Bytristan Bove, Fortune, 5 Jan. 2023 Revelations include insights into the Italian’s early preference for painting on used canvases and the identification of late canvases all cut from the same bolt of cloth. Sebastian Smee, Washington Post, 29 Dec. 2022 See All Example Sentences for preference
Recent Examples of Synonyms for preference
Noun
  • Baltimore will be one of the favorites again next season and could offer Slay a real chance to win again.
    Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 4 Mar. 2025
  • Both the Aussies and South Africans were waiting on the sidelines to see which of them would end up taking on the favorites.
    Tim Ellis, Forbes, 3 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • President Donald Trump’s Oval Office thrashing of Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Friday laid bare the limits of a full-court press by America’s allies aimed at reshaping Trump’s determination to end Russia’s invasion even if the terms are not to Ukraine’s liking.
    Zeke Miller, The Denver Post, 1 Mar. 2025
  • And if Trump, as the new sheriff in town, occasionally decides on a whim to impose law and order, the results may not always be to Russia’s liking.
    Hanna Notte, Foreign Affairs, 27 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • One option for the single family homes will start in the high $300,000s and another will start in the low $400,000s.
    Desiree Mathurin, Charlotte Observer, 5 Mar. 2025
  • But apart from price and screen size options, what separates these two tablets?
    PCMAG, PCMAG, 5 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • In addition to sharing across all internal communication channels, consider developing compelling narratives for public promotion as part of a greater PR or advertising strategy.
    Andrea Aker, Forbes, 3 Mar. 2025
  • Jeanie Buss is the controlling owner and president of the Los Angeles Lakers of the National Basketball Association, and co-owner and promoter of the U.S. women’s professional wrestling promotion Women of Wrestling.
    Lissete Lanuza Sáenz, StyleCaster, 3 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Infused with the likes of niacinamide, glycerin and the brand's thermal spring water, this quality hand cream will help with a multitude of skin concerns.
    Denise Primbet, Glamour, 5 Mar. 2025
  • Jisoo, who had skipped the dinner, made a fashionable late-night entrance, joining the likes of Rick Owens, Jean Paul Gaultier, and Jeremy Scott.
    Kristen Bateman, Vogue, 5 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • This in and of itself seems standard fare for a business choice like this.
    Aamina Inayat Khan, StyleCaster, 4 Mar. 2025
  • Although that stretch of Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré has been plagued by disruptions, due to its proximity to the Élysée presidential palace, the designer is confident in her choice.
    Joelle Diderich, WWD, 4 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Explore the universe with news on fascinating discoveries, scientific advancements and more.
    Taylor Nicioli, CNN, 1 Mar. 2025
  • Provides opportunities for career advancement through visibility.
    Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • In addition, exposing millions of kids to less sweet (not to mention organic) drinks helps cultivate an appetite for less sweet drinks that can create long-term health benefits.
    Seth Goldman, Baltimore Sun, 9 Mar. 2025
  • One such effort, Harry Potter: Wizards of Baking has already been a ratings success, proving yet again there is still an appetite for the IP.
    Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 7 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Preference.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/preference. Accessed 13 Mar. 2025.

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