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

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
3
4

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
Noun
  • This cookie, made with a deliciously crispy exterior of cornflakes, has a perfectly sweet interior thanks to maraschino cherries—a forever childhood favorite.
    Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 7 June 2025
  • My personal favorite was the giant prawns, served with corn and chojang.
    Susmita Baral, Travel + Leisure, 7 June 2025
Noun
  • Close lid to grill and bake three to five minutes to your liking.
    Pamela McLoughlin, Hartford Courant, 5 June 2025
  • Taste, and add more dressing, a little at a time, until the salad is dressed to your liking.
    The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 June 2025
Noun
  • Carney’s government is reviewing the purchase of U.S. F-35 fighter jets to see if there are other options.
    Rob Gillies, Los Angeles Times, 9 June 2025
  • If finding indoor shelter is not an option: Steer clear of open fields, hilltops, or ridge tops.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 9 June 2025
Noun
  • Make Promotions Default Milkman and Pink advocate for a shift in promotion practices, suggesting that organizations should make promotions the default rather than requiring individuals to opt-in.
    Julie Kratz, Forbes.com, 8 June 2025
  • The event will feature wrestlers from both promotions as well as performers from Total Nonstop Action.
    Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 7 June 2025
Noun
  • The role had previously received rave reviews and accolades for the likes of Gloria Swanson, Glenn Close and Patti LuPone.
    Jenelle Riley, Variety, 9 June 2025
  • Published alongside ingredients lists for the likes of Green Banana Chowder and Baobab Panko Salmon?
    Hayley Maitland, Vogue, 7 June 2025
Noun
  • This is a game of choices — difficult ones, at that — in which tasks range from finding your wife and offering gifts to friends, to speaking with a skeleton who can see through time and dethroning God.
    Matt Gardner, Forbes.com, 8 June 2025
  • The amount of sun and the exposure in your garden should be key factors in making your plant choices.
    Tim Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 8 June 2025
Noun
  • Communities that have historically been at the back of the line for technological advancements can now potentially leapfrog to implementing cutting-edge solutions tailored to their specific needs.
    Dr. Sreeram Mullankandy, Forbes.com, 5 June 2025
  • Do any technological advancements really surprise you anymore?
    Joe Cermele, Outdoor Life, 5 June 2025
Noun
  • Democrats may finally have an appetite for more progressive primary challengers.
    W. James Antle III, The Washington Examiner, 13 June 2025
  • For those whose appetites have been whetted for more, this exhibition at the Autry Museum of the American West, conceived and organized by the Witte Museum in San Antonio, delivers a deep dive into that underreported slice of history.
    Jessica Gelt, Los Angeles Times, 13 June 2025
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.

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

More from Merriam-Webster on preference

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!