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
Beijing's preferential treatment towards domestic firms has encouraged many Chinese companies to either underpay for patent licenses or not pay at all, and simply wait for legal challenges rather than seeking legitimate licenses at the outset.
—
Zoltan Istvan, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 May 2025
Florida, for example, prohibits state institutions from giving preferential consideration for employment, admission, or promotion.
—Ken Alltucker, USA Today, 24 May 2025
The meeting quickly became a stark demonstration of Mr. Trump’s belief that the world has aligned against white people, and that Black people and minorities have received preferential treatment.
—Erica L. Green, New York Times, 21 May 2025
The government should raise the minimum wage from its current level of around 13 euros to 15 euros and give preferential treatment in procurement to companies that pay union-level wages.
—Isabella M. Weber, Foreign Affairs, 14 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for preferential
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Zoltan Istvan, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 May 2025
Florida, for example, prohibits state institutions from giving preferential consideration for employment, admission, or promotion.
—Ken Alltucker, USA Today, 24 May 2025
The meeting quickly became a stark demonstration of Mr. Trump’s belief that the world has aligned against white people, and that Black people and minorities have received preferential treatment.
—Erica L. Green, New York Times, 21 May 2025
The government should raise the minimum wage from its current level of around 13 euros to 15 euros and give preferential treatment in procurement to companies that pay union-level wages.
—Isabella M. Weber, Foreign Affairs, 14 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for preferential
Cite this Entry
“Preferential.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/preferential. Accessed 2 Jun. 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
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