Synonyms of preference

preference

noun

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

• favorite
• darling
• speed
• pet
• cup of tea
• fave
• minion
• beloved
• dear
• treasure
• sweetheart
• prize
• jewel

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• anathema
• abomination
• bugbear
• bête noire

2

as in liking

positive regard for something

a preference for cool weather

Synonyms & Similar Words

• liking
• like
• appetite
• taste
• use
• love
• craving
• tendency
• fondness
• enthusiasm
• partiality
• desire
• favor
• love affair
• relish
• thirst
• interest
• fancy
• bias
• longing
• shine
• inclination
• prejudice
• propensity
• weakness
• passion
• yen
• gusto
• tooth
• palate
• hankering
• bent
• leaning

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• hatred
• dislike
• disgust
• distaste
• aversion
• loathing
• disfavor
• indifference
• apathy
• disinclination
• mislike
• unconcern

3

as in option

the power, right, or opportunity to choose

he was promised his preference when the time came to repaint his bedroom

Synonyms & Similar Words

• option
• choice
• alternative
• way
• selection
• liberty
• discretion
• pick
• election
• vote
• volition
• druthers
• determination
• will
• liking
• predilection
• free will
• say
• voice
• inclination
• tendency
• propensity
• penchant
• proclivity
• partiality
• judgment
• discernment
• perspicacity

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• force
• coercion
• duty
• obligation
• duress
• Hobson's choice

4

as in promotion

a raising or a state of being raised to a higher rank or position

a long-sought preference to the position of naval commander

Synonyms & Similar Words

• promotion
• advancement
• rise
• ascent
• creation
• upgrading
• elevation
• preferment
• upgrade
• magnification
• aggrandizement
• glorification
• exaltation
• ennoblement

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• reduction
• degradation
• removal
• downgrade
• demotion
• dismissal
• suspension
• discharge
• deposition
• abasement
• expulsion
• impeachment
• overthrow
• comedown
• ouster
• disrating
• fall
• downfall
• dethronement
• unseating
• unmaking

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 preference

Your preferences will apply only on this website. —Hattie Lindert, Pitchfork, 2 Apr. 2026

However, Joe Ropar, attending the Conservative Political Action Conference last week, said Rubio’s unequivocal support for the Iran war helped crystallize his preference for the secretary of state for 2028. —Michelle L. Price, Los Angeles Times, 1 Apr. 2026

The results painted a vivid map of American candy preferences. —Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 1 Apr. 2026

Because the core technology is a dye, the panels can be customized for different designs and cultural preferences. —Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 1 Apr. 2026