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
Culinary Class Wars incorporates blind tasting so more famous chefs don’t get preferential treatment.
—
Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 7 Oct. 2024
If no candidate wins 50% in the first count, a second tally determines the winner between the top two candidates, using the preferential votes cast.
—Reuters, CNN, 22 Sep. 2024
If no candidate wins 50% in the first count, there is a second round between the two frontrunners, with the preferential votes of other candidates redistributed, an outcome analysts say is likely given the close nature of the election.
—Reuters, NBC News, 21 Sep. 2024
Should college applicants get preferential treatment if they are related to wealthy alumni or donors?
—Ira Porter, The Christian Science Monitor, 16 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for preferential 
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Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 7 Oct. 2024
If no candidate wins 50% in the first count, a second tally determines the winner between the top two candidates, using the preferential votes cast.
—Reuters, CNN, 22 Sep. 2024
If no candidate wins 50% in the first count, there is a second round between the two frontrunners, with the preferential votes of other candidates redistributed, an outcome analysts say is likely given the close nature of the election.
—Reuters, NBC News, 21 Sep. 2024
Should college applicants get preferential treatment if they are related to wealthy alumni or donors?
—Ira Porter, The Christian Science Monitor, 16 Oct. 2024
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 22 Nov. 2024.
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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