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
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Recent Examples of prefer
Another spot with ample space, Miro Tea is ideal for those who prefer leaves over beans.
—
Chloe Arrojado, AFAR Media, 28 Feb. 2025
OpenAI's testing also indicated that human evaluators preferred GPT-4.5's responses over GPT-4o in about 57 percent of interactions, suggesting modest but measurable improvements in overall user experience.
—Ars Technica, 28 Feb. 2025
Missiles launched from Iran against Israel, for example, or vice versa, must fly over Jordan, Saudi Arabia, or the Gulf states—countries that would likely prefer to sit on the sidelines of such a conflict and that likely prefer that live missiles not pass through their airspace.
—Raphael S. Cohen, Foreign Affairs, 18 Feb. 2025
Most people would still prefer to eat fresh over frozen food, but no one is going to get more time to cook anytime soon.
—Meghan McCarron, The Atlantic, 18 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for prefer
Chloe Arrojado, AFAR Media, 28 Feb. 2025
OpenAI's testing also indicated that human evaluators preferred GPT-4.5's responses over GPT-4o in about 57 percent of interactions, suggesting modest but measurable improvements in overall user experience.
—Ars Technica, 28 Feb. 2025
Missiles launched from Iran against Israel, for example, or vice versa, must fly over Jordan, Saudi Arabia, or the Gulf states—countries that would likely prefer to sit on the sidelines of such a conflict and that likely prefer that live missiles not pass through their airspace.
—Raphael S. Cohen, Foreign Affairs, 18 Feb. 2025
Most people would still prefer to eat fresh over frozen food, but no one is going to get more time to cook anytime soon.
—Meghan McCarron, The Atlantic, 18 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for prefer
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prefer
Verb
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His mother, Helen, was a librarian, and his father, John, sold insurance and liked to sing opera around the house.—
Mike Barnes,
The Hollywood Reporter,
1 Mar. 2025
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Of course, leather isn’t the only option out there for those who like the simplicity of a tote bag.—
Brett F. Braley-Palko,
Forbes,
1 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Those on the college track might choose a school abroad, an option no longer reserved for the wealthy.—
Lisa Z. Lindahl,
Forbes,
28 Feb. 2025
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For all the doubt that antivaccine advocates, including RFK, Jr., have sowed around childhood immunizations, for all the political proclamations of conscientious objection and the freedom to choose, this child did not have a choice.—
Megha Satyanarayana,
Scientific American,
28 Feb. 2025
Verb
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While the show ran long this year, IndieWire’s review greatly enjoyed this year’s sincere and silly show as hosted by O’Brien in his first (and hopefully not final) stint.—
Brian Welk,
IndieWire,
4 Mar. 2025
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Then please enjoy a few TikTok videos showing this trend in action.—
Melissa Willets,
Parents,
4 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Markle clearly has a passion for it, and carefully takes the viewer through each and every step, from selecting the flowers at the flower market to the final bloom put in the (quite impressive) arrangement.—
Elise Taylor,
Vogue,
3 Mar. 2025
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The idea of selecting Doja Cat, Raye and Lisa for the James Bond tribute came out of Kapoor’s experience as a Grammys producer.—
Michael Schneider,
Variety,
3 Mar. 2025
Verb
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What Makes Filipowski Intriguing Filipowski has the two things the game of basketball favors the most: size and skill.—
Mat Issa,
Forbes,
26 Feb. 2025
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When they are asked about the economic consequences of tariffs — including rising prices domestically — voters have tended to favor them less.—
G. Elliott Morris,
ABC News,
25 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Cardinal Re picked to lead prayer vigil on Wednesday The dean of the College of Cardinals, meanwhile, was designated to lead the Vatican’s prayer vigil in St. Peter’s Square on Wednesday night, thrusting a key figure in a future possible conclave into the spotlight.—
Trisha Thomas,
Chicago Tribune,
26 Feb. 2025
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In picking Bongino for the FBI deputy director job, Trump again is emphasizing loyalty and MAGA credentials over experience.—
Zac Anderson,
USA TODAY,
26 Feb. 2025
Verb
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By Ben Walsh Donald Trump wants to get back into the casino business.—
Ben Walsh,
The Atlantic,
8 Mar. 2025
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The Boston Bruins general manager wanted the captain to conclude his career in Black and Gold.—
Fluto Shinzawa,
The Athletic,
8 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Prefer.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prefer. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.
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