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

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
3
4

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
Noun
  • Long a favorite of the Twins’ player development group, Keirsey, who turns 28 in May, made his first Opening Day roster.
    Dan Hayes, The Athletic, 25 Mar. 2025
  • But this is a puncher’s chance; Denver won’t enter the playoffs as an overwhelming favorite.
    Tony Jones, The Athletic, 25 Mar. 2025
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
Noun
  • 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
  • This foldable tripod chair, $33, is a great option and fulfills these requirements.
    Jillian Dara, Travel + Leisure, 9 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • 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
  • 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
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
Noun
  • An extensive park with pools makes this an excellent choice for families, and private tours of the Borromeo Islands depart from the hotel’s boat dock.
    Elizabeth Heath, Travel + Leisure, 16 Mar. 2025
  • With four recent sales before the start of the spring market, Sunnybrook Villas is proving to be a top choice for homebuyers seeking quality and convenience in northwest Olathe.
    Prime Development, Kansas City Star, 16 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • 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
  • 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
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
  • There is an appetite to again hold meetings in different locations as underlined by the historic visit to Zimbabwe.
    Tristan Lavalette, Forbes.com, 11 Apr. 2025
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.

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Preference.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/preference. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on preference

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!