1
as in to like
to show partiality toward
I generally prefer chocolate ice cream over vanilla
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to choose
to decide to accept (someone or something) from a group of possibilities
most buyers of that vehicle have preferred the model with four-wheel drive
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of prefer
Keep scrolling to see who chooses a more extensive approach to their skin-care regimen, and who prefers a streamlined, less-is-more plan of action.
—
Kaleigh Fasanella, Allure, 31 Mar. 2026
Focus on Healthy Sources of Protein Plant proteins like beans, nuts, and seeds are preferred over meat.
—Emily Kay Votruba, EverydayHealth.com, 31 Mar. 2026
For fans who prefer a non-spicy sandwich, the changes have also been applied to the chain's Classic Chicken Sandwich.
—Gabe Hauari, USA Today, 31 Mar. 2026
Great white sharks frequently travel north in the summer and south in the winter, a habit experts suspect has to do with preferring more temperate waters.
—Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 31 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for prefer
Kaleigh Fasanella, Allure, 31 Mar. 2026
Focus on Healthy Sources of Protein Plant proteins like beans, nuts, and seeds are preferred over meat.
—Emily Kay Votruba, EverydayHealth.com, 31 Mar. 2026
For fans who prefer a non-spicy sandwich, the changes have also been applied to the chain's Classic Chicken Sandwich.
—Gabe Hauari, USA Today, 31 Mar. 2026
Great white sharks frequently travel north in the summer and south in the winter, a habit experts suspect has to do with preferring more temperate waters.
—Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 31 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for prefer
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prefer
Verb
-
So there was plenty to like about the Royals’ third straight victory after an 0-2 start … even after the bullpen melted down an 11-run lead to four in the final innings.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
2 Apr. 2026
-
Hana liked it enough to take some home, which in the Test Kitchen is a ringing endorsement!—
Shilpa Uskokovic,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
1 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The World Meteorological Organization (WMO), located in Switzerland, chooses hurricane names several years in advance based on strict criteria.—
Doyle Rice,
USA Today,
29 Mar. 2026
-
The agenda included choosing a name for their future town.—
Elijah Winkler,
Kansas City Star,
29 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The lobby also doubles as a café (where guests enjoy complimentary coffee and tea all day long), so you'll be welcomed by the smell of roasting beans.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
28 Mar. 2026
-
Three sides of the bar are open to the general public, who can walk around the backside of the North End Zone concourse and still enjoy the new view of the field.—
Shaun Goodwin,
Idaho Statesman,
28 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
All listings featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
28 Mar. 2026
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Starting July 1, loan servicers will begin issuing notices giving borrowers 90 days to select a new repayment plan.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
28 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
They are favored to win those games, because those are teams more concerned about lottery positioning than playoff seeding.—
Kristian Winfield,
New York Daily News,
1 Apr. 2026
-
Democrats pushed for a three-year extension to the credits, while many Republicans favored either a one-year extension or none at all.—
Max Klaver,
Miami Herald,
31 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Your job is to pick and choose your way through the heap.—
Zachary Fine,
New Yorker,
31 Mar. 2026
-
Boo and Scout were hand-picked for the Bidens by staff at the animal welfare group.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
30 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Last year, new college graduates wanted remote, high-paying jobs that aligned with their values.—
Rachel Barber,
USA Today,
3 Apr. 2026
-
Michaels, who traveled to the Capitol last year to press for the files’ release, wanted Bondi gone.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
3 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Prefer.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prefer. Accessed 4 Apr. 2026.
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