preference

noun

ˈpre-fərn(t)s
Definition of preferencenext
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
as in liking
positive regard for something a preference for cool weather

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in option
the power, right, or opportunity to choose he was promised his preference when the time came to repaint his bedroom

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in promotion
a raising or a state of being raised to a higher rank or position a long-sought preference to the position of naval commander

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 Leavitt was asked at the White House press briefing if the president had a preference between TPUSA’s show and the on-field halftime show starring Bad Bunny. —Mabinty Quarshie, The Washington Examiner, 5 Feb. 2026 Finally, refine your search based on brand, year and mileage preferences. —Charles Singh, USA Today, 4 Feb. 2026 And if that’s not your preference, then don’t watch. —Marcus Thompson Ii, New York Times, 4 Feb. 2026 Algorithms can predict preferences. —Malana Vantyler, Sacbee.com, 4 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for preference
Recent Examples of Synonyms for preference
  1. favorite
  2. liking
  3. option
  4. promotion
  5. like
  6. choice
  7. advancement
  8. appetite
Noun
  • Dodds and Mouat, who entered the field as favorites, shook hands with the Wrana siblings with one end still to play.
    — JULIA FRANKEL, Arkansas Online, 10 Feb. 2026
  • Despite her injury, Kim is still considered a favorite for gold.
    — Rachel Treisman, NPR, 10 Feb. 2026
Definition of favorite
Noun
  • Exaggerated Shapes Swabb is ready to move on from curved furniture and scalloped details galore, finding these styles to be a bit overused for her liking.
    — Sarah Lyon, The Spruce, 8 Feb. 2026
  • The other, Damari, the middle child, has taken a liking for a different team.
    — Sam McDowell February 8, Kansas City Star, 8 Feb. 2026
Definition of liking
Noun
  • For people who like to drink a glass or two of milk a day and may have cardiovascular concerns, lower-fat dairy may be a better option.
    — Madeline Holcombe, CNN Money, 9 Feb. 2026
  • Then, as Musk has been prone to do, the former presidential adviser disregarded much of his previous explanation and said that building a civilization on Mars was still an option, just that building on the Moon is SpaceX’s current priority.
    — Washington Examiner Staff, The Washington Examiner, 9 Feb. 2026
Definition of option
Noun
  • Cody Powers said that his mother wore State Farm sweatshirts and T-shirts and entered every promotion the company offered.
    — J.C. Hallman, Oklahoman, 10 Feb. 2026
  • The moves come a week into the tenure of CEO Michael Fiddelke, who joined the company in 2003 as an intern — and whose promotion has been met with skepticism by investors who were hoping for some outside blood and, with it, fresh ideas.
    — Rohan Goswami, semafor.com, 10 Feb. 2026
Definition of promotion
Noun
  • Darnold’s already shown maximum resolve by scrambling his way off the ash heap of underachievement history, where the likes of Zach Wilson, Josh Rosen and Johnny Manziel all reside.
    — Andrew Greif, NBC news, 8 Feb. 2026
  • It is centred around a striking building topped with turf, a nod to Iceland’s traditional architecture, with aqueduct-like arches and an angular timber roof inside—a little Hobbit-like, a little sci-fi rustic.
    — Rick Jordan, Travel + Leisure, 8 Feb. 2026
Definition of like
Noun
  • Casado also seemed to enjoy himself, reminding fans of his breakout performances last year at times, but De Jong remains first-choice in that midfield role.
    — Laia Cervelló Herrero, New York Times, 9 Feb. 2026
  • The show is presented as a response to the official Apple Music Super Bowl halftime show headlined by Bad Bunny as the choice of the Puerto Rican mega-star drew backlash from conservatives.
    — James Powel, USA Today, 9 Feb. 2026
Definition of choice
Noun
  • Fashion, philanthropy celebrated at March event A fundraising event set for March 4 will combine fashion with philanthropy as ticket holders compete for a chance to win name-brand purses and designer sunglasses while supporting the advancement of women in the area, according to a release.
    — Post-Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 8 Feb. 2026
  • More recently, advancements in automation and artificial intelligence prompted a full rebuild of the platform, resulting in the current generation of Pet Parent.
    — Nia Bowers, USA Today, 8 Feb. 2026
Definition of advancement
Noun
  • Over the past couple of years, as millions of Americans began taking these GLP-1s — and as appetites have shrunk — restaurants started to notice.
    — Allyson Reedy, Denver Post, 11 Feb. 2026
  • Today, travel appetites have changed.
    — Meghan Palmer, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Feb. 2026
Definition of appetite

Browse Nearby Words

preferably
preference
preferences
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Cite this Entry

“Preference.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/preference. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on preference

Nglish: Translation of preference for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about preference

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