preferential

adjective

pref·​er·​en·​tial ˌpre-fə-ˈren(t)-shəl How to pronounce preferential (audio)
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
preferentially adverb

Examples of preferential in a Sentence

powerful people who demand preferential treatment from politicians
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.
Moreover, additional funding for DOE’s Office for Civil Rights to advance equity has translated into uneven enforcement of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, giving preferential treatment to progressive causes and organizations such as the N.A.A.C.P. Wenyuan Wu, Orange County Register, 18 Nov. 2024 In October 2019, former Detroit Inspector General Ellen Ha concluded that Make Your Date, a nonprofit that reduces infant mortality, which Duggan's wife, Dr. Sonia Hassan, runs, received preferential treatment before going through a competitive selection process. Dana Afana, Detroit Free Press, 13 Nov. 2024 The governor has said her daughter did not get preferential treatment. ___ Associated Press reporter Stephen Groves contributed to this report. Rebecca Santana, Twin Cities, 13 Nov. 2024 Janine reminds Ava that the district shows preferential treatment when divvying out resources, and currently, Abbott relies heavily on bribes from the golf-course lawyer for new materials for their students. Ile-Ife Okantah, Vulture, 13 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for preferential 

Word History

First Known Use

1849, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of preferential was in 1849

Dictionary Entries Near preferential

Cite this Entry

“Preferential.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/preferential. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

preferential

adjective
pref·​er·​en·​tial ˌpref-ə-ˈren-chəl How to pronounce preferential (audio)
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
preferentially adverb

Legal Definition

preferential

adjective
pref·​e·​ren·​tial ˌpre-fə-ˈren-chəl How to pronounce preferential (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on preferential

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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