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
  • Peter Arnold, Executive Director of the Fashion Scholarship Fund expressed that the night was one of his favorites of the year.
    Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 8 Apr. 2025
  • Ahead, shop our favorites, complete with our editors’ before-and-after pics.
    Michelle Rostamian, Allure, 8 Apr. 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
  • While Musk’s often self-aggrandizing moves can be polarizing, Trump’s promotion of him as his proxy balances it out.
    Barnini Chakraborty, The Washington Examiner, 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 model joined the likes of such guests as Lisa Rinna, who turned the occasion into a family affair alongside her daughters Amelia Gray and Delilah Belle.
    Julia Teti, Footwear News, 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
  • Key to his platform were a flat tax, medical savings accounts, a new Social Security system for working Americans, parental choice of schools for their children, term limits and a strong national defense.
    Steve Forbes, Forbes.com, 28 Mar. 2025
  • Fox herself has remained silent on social media since giving birth, initially offering no clues about their name choice.
    Jenzia Burgos, StyleCaster, 28 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Chou also pointed to the importance of quantum’s advancements in the medical space.
    Rachel Curry, CNBC, 6 Apr. 2025
  • Still remaining true to its origins, the company is propelled by technological advancements in the sportswear arena, but also cementing its place in the books with important athletic sponsorships and fashion-forward designs, including culturally relevant collaborations.
    Kristina Rutkowski, Vogue, 4 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • His appetite for changing the status quo in his profession went that far back.
    Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Apr. 2025
  • What has changed is the investment appetite in the near term.
    Rob Day, Forbes.com, 28 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Preference.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/preference. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.

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