preferred

adjective

pre·​ferred pri-ˈfərd How to pronounce preferred (audio)
Synonyms of preferrednext
1
: liked better or best : used or wanted in preference to others
a preferred method
'Leveled' is the preferred spelling in American English.
2
: having special status or receiving special treatment or benefits
preferred customers

Synonyms of preferred

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Examples of preferred in a Sentence

my preferred means of communication is e-mail
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The backtracking illustrates how the politics of criminal justice have shifted since 2020, posing dilemmas for Democrats’ midterm strategy and their ability to enact their preferred solutions. — ABC News, 31 July 2026 Half of the voters polled chose tolls charged to drivers who use the new lanes as the preferred funding method for the project. — Dj Simmons, Charlotte Observer, 30 July 2026 New government data released on Thursday shows the Fed's preferred measure of inflation slowed in June, a hopeful sign, although inflation remains stubbornly above the central bank's 2% annual target. — Mary Cunningham, CBS News, 30 July 2026 Ding then locked in Kimmel’s preferred answer, Spaghetti & Meatball. — Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 30 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for preferred

Word History

First Known Use

1748, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of preferred was in 1748

Phrases Containing preferred

Rhymes for preferred

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Browse Nearby Words

preferment
preferred
preferred creditor
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Cite this Entry

“Preferred.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/preferred. Accessed 31 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on preferred

Nglish: Translation of preferred for Spanish Speakers

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