preferment

noun

pre·​fer·​ment pri-ˈfər-mənt How to pronounce preferment (audio)
Synonyms of prefermentnext
1
a
: advancement or promotion in dignity, office, or station
b
: a position or office of honor or profit
2
: priority or seniority in right especially to receive payment or to purchase property on equal terms with others
3
: the act of bringing forward
preferment of charges

Synonyms

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Examples of preferment in a Sentence

He has hopes for preferment. anticipated her preferment to a better-paying position within the company
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Make the preferment: In a stand mixer bowl, whisk together the water, flour and yeast and mix until no dry spots remain. — Jason Mastrodonato, The Mercury News, 16 Dec. 2024 Make the dough: Add the flour, whole eggs, egg yolk (reserve the white for brushing on later), honey, oil, ground coriander, orange zest and salt to the preferment. — Jason Mastrodonato, The Mercury News, 16 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of preferment was in the 15th century

Rhymes for preferment

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preferment
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Cite this Entry

“Preferment.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/preferment. Accessed 11 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

preferment

noun
pre·​fer·​ment pri-ˈfər-mənt How to pronounce preferment (audio)
1
: advancement or promotion in dignity, office, or rank
2
: a position or office of honor or importance

Legal Definition

preferment

noun
pre·​fer·​ment pri-ˈfər-mənt How to pronounce preferment (audio)
1
: advancement or promotion in office or station
2
: the act of preferring (as charges)
without preferment of allegations
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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