preferred

adjective

pre·​ferred pri-ˈfərd How to pronounce preferred (audio)
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

Examples of preferred in a Sentence

my preferred means of communication is e-mail
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The cross-platform availability has delighted longtime users who never expected to see Microsoft's text editor running on their preferred operating system. ArsTechnica, 23 June 2025 Additionally, many retirees are attached to their homes, communities, or preferred climate. Joseph Coughlin, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025 The poll, conducted for the nonprofit Evelyn and Walter Haas Jr. Fund, found that about 70% of California’s registered voters agreed that eligible voters who speak limited English should be provided with ballots translated into their preferred language. Phil Willon, Los Angeles Times, 23 June 2025 The single screen in the rear has a nice touch for Tesla owners: since the service is connected to your Tesla app, the display will pull up your preferred streaming service and saved playlists. New Atlas, 23 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for preferred

Word History

First Known Use

1748, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of preferred was in 1748

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Cite this Entry

“Preferred.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/preferred. Accessed 28 Jun. 2025.

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