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

Recent Examples of Synonyms for preference
  1. favorite
  2. liking
  3. option
  4. promotion
  5. like
  6. choice
  7. advancement
  8. appetite
Noun
  • The Gators’ national run at the Final Four ignited Gator Nation and inspired a former fan favorite to come up with his latest unique creation.
    — Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 25 July 2025
  • Meanwhile, Ocasio-Cortez, who is a favorite of many progressives, received 41 percent to Vance's 44 percent.
    — Andrew Stanton, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 July 2025
Definition of favorite
Noun
  • Avs coach Jared Bednar took a bit of a liking to him last year before the suspension.
    — Corey Masisak, Denver Post, 10 July 2025
  • Neeson recalls taking an immediate liking to the idea of starring in a Naked Gun reboot.
    — EW.com, EW.com, 8 July 2025
Definition of liking
Noun
  • The Colorado college town beat out Cincinnati and Salt Lake City after the festival brass started exploring relocation options in 2024, with Boulder chosen for its mountain views reminiscent of Park City’s own as well as its vibrant arts community.
    — Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 14 July 2025
  • The combination of limited production capacity and expensive weapons sometimes constrained the government’s options.
    — Dexter Filkins, New Yorker, 14 July 2025
Definition of option
Noun
  • For those ordering online or through the Krispy Kreme app, the promotion is limited to one $1 dozen when using the code BOGO1 at checkout.
    — Moná Thomas, People.com, 25 July 2025
  • In humdrum Fargo, ND, an ordinary man named AJ is content with his mundane existence and rejects any interruption to his tranquility, including a promotion at work – offered by his boss who happens to be his dad.
    — Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 25 July 2025
Definition of promotion
Noun
  • Condado Vanderbilt has ruled over the sands of Condado for more than a century, embodying all the elegance and beauty of a property that once welcomed the likes of the John F. Kennedy and Franklin Delano Roosevelt.
    — Carley Rojas Ávila, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
  • At the moment, the Lakers would appear a one-round-and-done playoff team in the West, when considering the likes of the Thunder, Rockets, Nuggets and Timberwolves.
    — Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 14 July 2025
Definition of like
Noun
  • With more injuries than several teams combined, the Los Angeles Dodgers have no choice but to add to their bullpen at the trade deadline.
    — Drew VonScio, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 July 2025
  • The city's choice to close fewer homeless camps in recent years differs from some communities that have banned public camping and a new Trump directive to remove people from the streets.
    — Jordan Smith, IndyStar, 26 July 2025
Definition of choice
Noun
  • This clearly demonstrates both innovative leadership and potential vulnerability for future advancements.
    — Russell Sarder, Forbes.com, 23 July 2025
  • Some Western governments have previously linked Iran's space program to ballistic missile advancement, and this latest test is expected to factor into ongoing diplomatic discussions, including those related to Iran's nuclear program.
    — Amir Daftari, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 July 2025
Definition of advancement
Noun
  • Beyond those two, though, other members have not expressed any appetite for easing before the September meeting.
    — Jeff Cox, CNBC, 19 July 2025
  • Mamdani's surprising primary win reflects a growing appetite for left-leaning economic populism and signals a major shift within the party.
    — Hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 July 2025
Definition of appetite
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.

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preferences
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Cite this Entry

“Preference.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/preference. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

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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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