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
By claiming certain material will receive preferential treatment over others, the Trump administration appears to be on the way to attempting to use the NEA as part of its propaganda machine.
—
Harrison Richlin, IndieWire, 9 Feb. 2025
National Amusements, the family’s holding company, owns her stake in Paramount with 77 percent of preferential voting shares but roughly five percent of common stock.
—Winston Cho, The Hollywood Reporter, 7 Feb. 2025
They have been dogged by accusations of preferential treatment from referees, particularly during the playoffs.
—David Hill, Rolling Stone, 6 Feb. 2025
One last note on the notion that Mahomes, specifically, gets preferential treatment.
—Lev Akabas, Sportico.com, 6 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for preferential 
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Harrison Richlin, IndieWire, 9 Feb. 2025
National Amusements, the family’s holding company, owns her stake in Paramount with 77 percent of preferential voting shares but roughly five percent of common stock.
—Winston Cho, The Hollywood Reporter, 7 Feb. 2025
They have been dogged by accusations of preferential treatment from referees, particularly during the playoffs.
—David Hill, Rolling Stone, 6 Feb. 2025
One last note on the notion that Mahomes, specifically, gets preferential treatment.
—Lev Akabas, Sportico.com, 6 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for preferential
Dictionary Entries Near preferential
Cite this Entry
“Preferential.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/preferential. Accessed 17 Feb. 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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