1
as in to like
to show partiality toward
I generally prefer chocolate ice cream over vanilla
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to choose
to decide to accept (someone or something) from a group of possibilities
most buyers of that vehicle have preferred the model with four-wheel drive
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of prefer
The amount of uncertainty facing employers is huge, and most prefer to wait and see what happens before hiring more workers or laying them off in large numbers.
—
Harry Holzer, Forbes.com, 6 June 2025
Instead of China’s current licensing regime, the EU trade chief said the bloc prefers a systematic solution, such as a general application once a year for each company, to avoid paperwork delays and stress applied to the industry.
—John Liu, CNN Money, 5 June 2025
Reps the Royals would have preferred to give him at Triple-A Omaha before his neon numbers at the plate and their puny offensive production converged to accelerate the call-up.
—Vahe Gregorian, Kansas City Star, 5 June 2025
Ever thoughtful about nesting, the herons prefer to do so on the branches of six tree species of the 43 kinds scattered around the outdoor exhibits: red maple, sugar maple, river birch, white mulberry, American hornbeam and common hackberry.
—Adriana Pérez, Chicago Tribune, 4 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for prefer
Harry Holzer, Forbes.com, 6 June 2025
Instead of China’s current licensing regime, the EU trade chief said the bloc prefers a systematic solution, such as a general application once a year for each company, to avoid paperwork delays and stress applied to the industry.
—John Liu, CNN Money, 5 June 2025
Reps the Royals would have preferred to give him at Triple-A Omaha before his neon numbers at the plate and their puny offensive production converged to accelerate the call-up.
—Vahe Gregorian, Kansas City Star, 5 June 2025
Ever thoughtful about nesting, the herons prefer to do so on the branches of six tree species of the 43 kinds scattered around the outdoor exhibits: red maple, sugar maple, river birch, white mulberry, American hornbeam and common hackberry.
—Adriana Pérez, Chicago Tribune, 4 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for prefer
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prefer
Verb
-
All the evidence says that, yes, he was liked and respected by his team-mates at all his clubs.—
Stuart James,
New York Times,
6 June 2025
-
Shortstop Francisco Lindor doesn’t like taking days off, which leaves Brett Baty, Jeff McNeil and Luisangel Acuña to battle for at-bats at second base.—
Abbey Mastracco,
New York Daily News,
5 June 2025
Verb
-
There are so many reasons why a player may choose to play in a particular location, for a particular team, for a particular coach that have nothing to do with the tax situation in that market.—
Pierre LeBrun,
New York Times,
5 June 2025
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In a May 30 update to a Facebook post about Louie's disappearance, the zoo announced its belief that Louie has chosen to live his life in the wilderness.—
Rachel Raposas,
People.com,
4 June 2025
Verb
-
Designed with a deep respect for the natural landscape, each homesite averages over a half acre, giving homeowners the space and serenity to enjoy a tranquil lifestyle rarely found in today’s fast-growing Kansas City metropolitan area.—
Prime Development Land Company,
Kansas City Star,
8 June 2025
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On warm summer evenings your patio may come alive with the powerful croaking of tree frogs that enjoy the moist and protective habitat of potted succulents.—
Ernie Cowan,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
8 June 2025
Verb
-
Joseph was selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft and played for the team until 2022, according to the NFL.—
Lillie Davidson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
7 June 2025
-
Two keepers who were selected to the team for training camp and the Concacaf Gold Cup later this month have been sidelined with injuries.—
Michael Lewis,
Forbes.com,
6 June 2025
Verb
-
According to a report, 87% of consumers now favor timelessness over trends while 80–92% rank material quality and craftsmanship above brand prestige when defining luxury.—
Carol RH Malasig,
Forbes.com,
14 June 2025
-
All the unknowns favor a driver who won the last time NASCAR visited a track so different than what NASCAR typically races on (the Chicago street course).—
Jeff Gluck,
New York Times,
14 June 2025
Verb
-
The search for a permanent replacement is ongoing, and the district aims to pick a candidate later this fall.—
Nell Salzman,
Chicago Tribune,
14 June 2025
-
The Pacers know exactly how to pick his high-dribble pocket every time.—
Mike Vorkunov,
New York Times,
14 June 2025
Verb
-
Graham made clear that he’s assured Sen. Ron Johnson — a Wisconsin Republican who wants more spending cuts — that another bill may be coming.—
Burgess Everett,
semafor.com,
10 June 2025
-
But White wanted to see boxing spectacles made more accessible.—
Jacob Feldman,
Sportico.com,
10 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Prefer.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prefer. Accessed 17 Jun. 2025.
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