preferential
adjective
pref·er·en·tial
ˌpre-fə-ˈren(t)-shəl 
1
: showing preference
preferential treatment
2
: employing or creating a preference in trade relations
3
: designed to permit expression of preference among candidates
a preferential primary
4
: giving preference especially in hiring to union members
a preferential shop
Examples of preferential in a Sentence
powerful people who demand preferential treatment from politicians
Recent Examples on the Web
The Agreement on Reciprocal Trade (ART), signed by the two countries last week, includes a provision confirming that used clothing and textiles classified under HS 6309 qualify for preferential treatment under the Central America–Dominican Republic Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR).
—
Kate Nishimura, Sourcing Journal, 11 Feb. 2026
But the news of Tesla’s windfall outraged some in the trucking industry, who allege the state provided the world’s wealthiest automaker with preferential treatment for a vehicle that is not ready.
—Tony Briscoe, Los Angeles Times, 9 Feb. 2026
India will receive a preferential tariff rate quota on automobile parts and generic pharmaceuticals.
—Bloomberg News, Boston Herald, 7 Feb. 2026
The statement also includes provisions for preferential market access, cooperation on non-tariff barriers, and commitments to strengthen alignment on economic security and supply chain resilience.
—Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 6 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for preferential
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Kate Nishimura, Sourcing Journal, 11 Feb. 2026
But the news of Tesla’s windfall outraged some in the trucking industry, who allege the state provided the world’s wealthiest automaker with preferential treatment for a vehicle that is not ready.
—Tony Briscoe, Los Angeles Times, 9 Feb. 2026
India will receive a preferential tariff rate quota on automobile parts and generic pharmaceuticals.
—Bloomberg News, Boston Herald, 7 Feb. 2026
The statement also includes provisions for preferential market access, cooperation on non-tariff barriers, and commitments to strengthen alignment on economic security and supply chain resilience.
—Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 6 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for preferential
Cite this Entry
“Preferential.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/preferential. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
preferential
adjective
pref·er·en·tial
ˌpref-ə-ˈren-chəl
1
: of or relating to preference
2
: showing preference
preferential treatment
3
: creating or using preference in trading
4
: permitting the showing of order of preference (as of candidates in an election)
a preferential ballot
Legal Definition
preferential
adjective
pref·e·ren·tial
ˌpre-fə-ˈren-chəl
1
: of or constituting a preference
a preferential transfer
2
: giving preference to union members especially in hiring
a preferential shop
3
: showing preference
these creditors may obtain preferential treatment
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