preference

noun

ˈpre-fərn(t)s
Definition of preferencenext
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
as in liking
positive regard for something a preference for cool weather

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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
  1. favorite
  2. liking
  3. option
  4. promotion
  5. like
  6. choice
  7. advancement
  8. appetite
Noun
  • The bar just off the lobby serves light snacks and lunch favorites like burgers and sandwiches, along with cocktails, beer, and wine.
    — Hannah Freedman, Travel + Leisure, 13 July 2025
  • The Netflix movie features a lot of fan favorites, including Tamela Mann as Cora.
    — Jane LaCroix, People.com, 13 July 2025
Definition of favorite
Noun
  • Avs coach Jared Bednar took a bit of a liking to him last year before the suspension.
    — Corey Masisak, Denver Post, 10 July 2025
  • Neeson recalls taking an immediate liking to the idea of starring in a Naked Gun reboot.
    — EW.com, EW.com, 8 July 2025
Definition of liking
Noun
  • The combination of limited production capacity and expensive weapons sometimes constrained the government’s options.
    — Dexter Filkins, New Yorker, 14 July 2025
  • The Colorado college town beat out Cincinnati and Salt Lake City after the festival brass started exploring relocation options in 2024, with Boulder chosen for its mountain views reminiscent of Park City’s own as well as its vibrant arts community.
    — Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 14 July 2025
Definition of option
Noun
  • In addition to achieving top-level status with two different promotions, Naomi also became the first Black woman to win the Money in the Bank match and to successfully cash in the briefcase.
    — Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
  • The last time Amazon hosted a major retailer-specific sales event was in mid-October for Amazon Prime Big Deal Days (otherwise known as October Prime Day), and both events are known for offering promotions that rival the deals during Black Friday and Cyber Monday in November.
    — Rachel Fletcher, Architectural Digest, 11 July 2025
Definition of promotion
Noun
  • At the moment, the Lakers would appear a one-round-and-done playoff team in the West, when considering the likes of the Thunder, Rockets, Nuggets and Timberwolves.
    — Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 14 July 2025
  • Condado Vanderbilt has ruled over the sands of Condado for more than a century, embodying all the elegance and beauty of a property that once welcomed the likes of the John F. Kennedy and Franklin Delano Roosevelt.
    — Carley Rojas Ávila, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
Definition of like
Noun
  • But, for a minimalist, display-worthy option, this one’s a great choice.
    — Jamie Fischer, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 July 2025
  • Its delightfully airy open floor plan was a bold choice when it was completed, at a time when contemporary house design favored a maze of walls and rooms.
    — AFAR Media, AFAR Media, 14 July 2025
Definition of choice
Noun
  • Create clear pathways for advancement via micro-credentials.
    — Scott White, Forbes.com, 11 July 2025
  • With recent advancements in smart home technologies, a rediscovery of traditional craftsmanship, and a rekindling of national pride, Chinese industry leaders said the number of luxury domestic furniture brands is expected to rise in the near term.
    — Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 10 July 2025
Definition of advancement
Noun
  • His eyes have cleared, and his appetite is growing.
    — Alice Gibbs, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 July 2025
  • As someone who’s witnessed the growing appetite for ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance)-friendly buildings, this move feels like a step backward.
    — Allen Buchanan, Oc Register, 5 July 2025
Definition of appetite
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.

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preferably
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preferences
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Cite this Entry

“Preference.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/preference. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on preference

Nglish: Translation of preference for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about preference

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