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
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.
Recent Examples of prefer
Non-sedating antihistamines like these are all available over the counter now, and these are generally preferred over their sedating counterparts.
—
Kelly Burch Published, Verywell Health, 23 May 2025
Only 23 percent of respondents said Hochul deserves to be reelected, while 63 percent preferred a new candidate.
—Nick Mordowanec, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 May 2025
Those who'd prefer to stay earthbound will still be able to take in a meal and a show at the new Hard Deck bar and restaurant, which will, naturally, feature live piano sing-alongs throughout the day.
—Emlyn Travis Updated, EW.com, 23 May 2025
As Americans confront the realities of longer life expectancies, a growing share would prefer not to see their 100th birthday.
—Suzanne Blake, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for prefer
Kelly Burch Published, Verywell Health, 23 May 2025
Only 23 percent of respondents said Hochul deserves to be reelected, while 63 percent preferred a new candidate.
—Nick Mordowanec, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 May 2025
Those who'd prefer to stay earthbound will still be able to take in a meal and a show at the new Hard Deck bar and restaurant, which will, naturally, feature live piano sing-alongs throughout the day.
—Emlyn Travis Updated, EW.com, 23 May 2025
As Americans confront the realities of longer life expectancies, a growing share would prefer not to see their 100th birthday.
—Suzanne Blake, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for prefer
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prefer
Verb
-
Celestial Park is an original concept world, which Universal likes to say puts the park back into theme park.—
Eve Chen,
USA Today,
25 May 2025
-
In this case, changes in taste doesn’t mean going from liking sweater vests to going all Boho-chic.—
Bruce Y. Lee,
Forbes.com,
24 May 2025
Verb
-
There are two classe s to choose from every Tuesday -- 9:15-11:15 a.m. and 5:30-7:15 p.m.—
Carin Schoppmeyer,
Arkansas Online,
24 May 2025
-
There’s a mountain of deals to choose from at REI’s Memorial Day sale, but some discounts have piqued our interest more than others.—
Amelia McBride,
Travel + Leisure,
23 May 2025
Verb
-
The few canneries based in the United States are enjoying the rise in popularity among Americans.—
Ramishah Maruf,
CNN Money,
27 May 2025
-
The Big Apple isn’t the only destination to enjoy this urban astronomy delight, either.—
Stephanie Vermillion,
Outside Online,
27 May 2025
Verb
-
May 25, 2025 Rave, who was selected by the Royals in the fifth round of the 2019 MLB Draft, also has showed off his defensive prowess in the past.—
Pete Grathoff,
Kansas City Star,
26 May 2025
-
Southern Miss for example had multiple Q4 losses but were still selected as a host seed over TCU.—
Steven Johnson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
26 May 2025
Verb
-
For a more gradual route to the top, many favor Trillium Gap Trail.—
Cameron Beall,
Southern Living,
21 May 2025
-
Investments favored trains serving white suburbs over buses used by Black and low-income riders.—
Deborah N. Archer,
Time,
21 May 2025
Verb
-
Situations like, how to thread the needle between multiple dietary restrictions, or how to pick a menu that can be made days in advance so hosts can save their energy for the party itself.—
Bon Appétit,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
21 May 2025
-
Then Tavares basically spent all seven years refusing to pick a lane.—
Sean McIndoe,
New York Times,
21 May 2025
Verb
-
One month later, the bank reopened the second round for bidders, and Earle and her husband wanted to visit the house again.—
Meredith Wilshere,
People.com,
19 May 2025
-
The organization supports progressive candidates who want to run for local office.—
Sarah D. Wire,
USA Today,
19 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Prefer.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prefer. Accessed 2 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share