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
  • One team is the overwhelming favorite to win the World Series — the Los Angeles Dodgers.
    Steve Futterman, NPR, 27 Mar. 2025
  • The oddsmakers' favorites to win it all are the defending World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers.
    Rebecca Morin, USA Today, 27 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Through the central screen there’s a number of ways to tailor the driving experience to your liking, including the level of regenerative braking.
    Trinity Francis, Forbes.com, 27 Mar. 2025
  • The sandwich, which hit restaurants on March 17, is available in original, spicy and grilled, and comes with the fixings customers love including, juicy chicken (cooked to your liking), crispy bacon tossed in brown sugar and black pepper blend, Colby Jack cheese, lettuce, and a smoky BBQ sauce.
    Moná Thomas, People.com, 24 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • From matte black to iridescent tortoiseshell, the options felt endless.
    Cassell Ferere, Forbes.com, 29 Mar. 2025
  • There’s also the option to expand the size up to 304-square-feet for those looking for even more space.
    Rylee Johnston, Travel + Leisure, 29 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Such was the case this past week when all of the major news was focused on multiple beloved wrestlers leaving their respected promotions.
    Paul Du Quenoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Mar. 2025
  • In addition to postings, the bill would require employers to provide the same compensation information: To job applicants upon request and before any compensation discussion or offer; To employees at the time of hire, transfer, or promotion; And once per calendar year, if requested.
    Alonzo Martinez, Forbes.com, 28 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • The Wolves have repeatedly thrashed the likes of Denver and Phoenix this season, and looked like title contenders in the process.
    Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 29 Mar. 2025
  • In the 2010s, the rapper appeared on tracks alongside the likes of Waka Flocka Flame, Lil Wayne, Chief Keef, Mike Will Made-It, Childish Gambino, Akon, and Offset.
    EW.com, EW.com, 29 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • With a user-friendly interface and rich features, Zoom has been the top choice for video calls.
    Kurt Knutsson, CyberGuy Report, FOXNews.com, 28 Mar. 2025
  • As manufacturers explore these new fill material options, Lenzing’s R&D and technical teams are on hand to help guide them through the right fiber choices and application suggestions.
    SJ Studio, Sourcing Journal, 28 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • In a stunning display of technological advancement, China's Unitree Robotics has unveiled its latest feat, a humanoid robot that can perform kung fu moves with astonishing precision and balance.
    Kurt Knutsson, CyberGuy Report, Fox News, 23 Mar. 2025
  • In the 2000s, advancements in DNA sequencing led to a swell of genetic research that found that about two-thirds of those familial cases are connected to a handful of genetic mutations.
    Shayla Love, The Atlantic, 23 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • At the same time, the same White House’s chaotic trade policy is undermining financial markets’ appetite for risk, leaving bitcoin in limbo, more than 20% off from its record high in January.
    Allison Morrow, CNN, 20 Mar. 2025
  • In their effort to mimic real meat, these companies have left consumers perplexed and without appetite.
    Clara Ludmir, Forbes, 20 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Preference.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/preference. Accessed 2 Apr. 2025.

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