preferential
adjective
pref·er·en·tial
ˌpre-fə-ˈren(t)-shəl 
1
: showing preference
2
: employing or creating a preference in trade relations
3
: designed to permit expression of preference among candidates
a preferential primary
4
: giving preference especially in hiring to union members
a preferential shop
Examples of preferential in a Sentence
powerful people who demand preferential treatment from politicians
Recent Examples on the Web
Romo knows what Aikman said about Mahomes getting preferential treatment during the Texans tilt.
—
Bob Raissman, New York Daily News, 25 Jan. 2025
Studies show that receiving preferential treatment from parents is linked to better mental health and healthier relationships.
—Lauryn Higgins, Health, 23 Jan. 2025
Patrick Mahomes is batting down claims of preferential treatment as the Kansas City Chiefs move ever-closer to a Super Bowl berth.
—Anna Lazarus Caplan, People.com, 22 Jan. 2025
Likewise, these within-group pressures lead to preferential treatment for members who are in alignment with the group’s perspectives, up to and including placing greater trust in those who appear to represent the group’s collective interests.
—Joe Árvai, The Conversation, 22 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for preferential 
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.
Bob Raissman, New York Daily News, 25 Jan. 2025
Studies show that receiving preferential treatment from parents is linked to better mental health and healthier relationships.
—Lauryn Higgins, Health, 23 Jan. 2025
Patrick Mahomes is batting down claims of preferential treatment as the Kansas City Chiefs move ever-closer to a Super Bowl berth.
—Anna Lazarus Caplan, People.com, 22 Jan. 2025
Likewise, these within-group pressures lead to preferential treatment for members who are in alignment with the group’s perspectives, up to and including placing greater trust in those who appear to represent the group’s collective interests.
—Joe Árvai, The Conversation, 22 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for preferential
Dictionary Entries Near preferential
Cite this Entry
“Preferential.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/preferential. Accessed 2 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
preferential
adjective
pref·er·en·tial
ˌpref-ə-ˈren-chəl
1
: of or relating to preference
2
: showing preference
preferential treatment
3
: creating or using preference in trading
4
: permitting the showing of order of preference (as of candidates in an election)
a preferential ballot
Legal Definition
preferential
adjective
pref·e·ren·tial
ˌpre-fə-ˈren-chəl
1
: of or constituting a preference
a preferential transfer
2
: giving preference to union members especially in hiring
a preferential shop
3
: showing preference
these creditors may obtain preferential treatment
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share