1
as in liking
to show partiality toward
I generally prefer chocolate ice cream over vanilla
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in selecting
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
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Recent Examples of preferring
Encyclopedia Britannica,
30 June 2026
Bielsa opted not to play warm-up games ahead of the World Cup, preferring instead to spend the time developing his side’s tactical shape.
—
Jacob Whitehead,
New York Times,
28 June 2026
His original character designer, who wasn't involved in the new game, admitted to preferring the Super Mario Galaxy Movie version of Fox to this remake's.
—
James Perkins Mastromarino,
NPR,
24 June 2026
Couto, in his opening address, pushed back on the language of disruption or reset, preferring a more precise term for what APOS captured.
—
Lin Ying-Hsuan,
Variety,
19 June 2026
Flatheads aren’t built for extended chases like their streamlined cousins, preferring instead to dart out from hiding and devour unwary prey.
—
Keith Sutton,
Outdoor Life,
18 June 2026
But Barclays is staying selective in the sector, preferring Endeavour Mining and Hochschild as both stocks trade on cheaper multiples than Fresnillo , which the analysts say is more fully valued.
—
Joseph Wilkins,
CNBC,
16 June 2026
Robins Robins don't nest in cavities, preferring to make their homes on horizontal branches or flat surfaces like ledges and eaves.
—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
10 June 2026
Fans preferring to watch inside can head to the popular Brooklyn bowling alley and concert venue on Wythe Ave.
—
Roni Jacobson,
New York Daily News,
7 June 2026
Verb
The platform is usually occupied only by a caretaker guard, with Michael Bates preferring to live on the mainland.
—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
30 June 2026
Bielsa opted not to play warm-up games ahead of the World Cup, preferring instead to spend the time developing his side’s tactical shape.
—
Jacob Whitehead,
New York Times,
28 June 2026
His original character designer, who wasn't involved in the new game, admitted to preferring the Super Mario Galaxy Movie version of Fox to this remake's.
—
James Perkins Mastromarino,
NPR,
24 June 2026
Couto, in his opening address, pushed back on the language of disruption or reset, preferring a more precise term for what APOS captured.
—
Lin Ying-Hsuan,
Variety,
19 June 2026
Flatheads aren’t built for extended chases like their streamlined cousins, preferring instead to dart out from hiding and devour unwary prey.
—
Keith Sutton,
Outdoor Life,
18 June 2026
But Barclays is staying selective in the sector, preferring Endeavour Mining and Hochschild as both stocks trade on cheaper multiples than Fresnillo , which the analysts say is more fully valued.
—
Joseph Wilkins,
CNBC,
16 June 2026
Robins Robins don't nest in cavities, preferring to make their homes on horizontal branches or flat surfaces like ledges and eaves.
—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
10 June 2026
Fans preferring to watch inside can head to the popular Brooklyn bowling alley and concert venue on Wythe Ave.
—
Roni Jacobson,
New York Daily News,
7 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for preferring
Verb
-
These premium earbuds combine some of the best active noise cancellation in the category with rich, detailed sound that can be customized to your liking through Sony's companion app.
-
At issue today is whether or not liking social media posts is an angerable offence on a reality television program.
Verb
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On an album centered on killing ego and embracing growth, the response feels less like avoidance and more like a man choosing peace over proving a point.
-
That means creating an easily navigable layout, incorporating soft, inviting textures and materials, and choosing extra-comfortable furniture.
Verb
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Large enterprise buyers have typically been suspicious of horizontal platforms that promise to do everything, favoring integrations that slot neatly into existing systems.
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How that is playing out in terms of stylistic difference will have to be weighed by bootleg-favoring Dylanologists who are more attuned to the subtleties of band interplay.
Verb
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In Buffalo, New York, the 2026 NHL draft action kicked off with the Toronto Maple Leafs selecting Penn State winger Gavin McKenna – a pick most people expected would open the night.
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While selecting pieces for the exhibit, Pacini visited the carousel in storage.
Verb
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The elevated section of the cabin also features a large rooftop terrace, ideal for enjoying the sun during the day, or sleeping under the stars at night.
-
Always like seeing the boys happy and enjoying the moment — nothing can match that.
Verb
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Bryce Eldridge handled the rest, picking Schmitt’s throw out of the dirt to complete the double play.
-
The studio showed strong instincts when picking creative partners on the horror side, too.
Verb
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Despite his recent struggles, Soriano has been the subject of trade deadline speculation, with the Angels reportedly not wanting to move him and other young players.
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Although some might interpret this decision as Swift wanting to make her wedding a public spectacle after all, insiders insist that’s not the case.
Cite this Entry
“Preferring.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/preferring. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
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