preference

noun

ˈpre-fərn(t)s
Definition of preferencenext
1
as in favorite
a person or thing that is preferred over others my preference is soul music

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in liking
positive regard for something a preference for cool weather

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in option
the power, right, or opportunity to choose he was promised his preference when the time came to repaint his bedroom

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in promotion
a raising or a state of being raised to a higher rank or position a long-sought preference to the position of naval commander

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun preference contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of preference are alternative, choice, election, option, and selection. While all these words mean "the act or opportunity of choosing or the thing chosen," preference suggests a choice guided by one's judgment or predilections.

a preference for cool weather

When is it sensible to use alternative instead of preference?

The words alternative and preference can be used in similar contexts, but alternative implies a need to choose one and reject another possibility.

equally attractive alternatives

In what contexts can choice take the place of preference?

The meanings of choice and preference largely overlap; however, choice suggests the opportunity or privilege of choosing freely.

freedom of choice

When is election a more appropriate choice than preference?

While in some cases nearly identical to preference, election implies an end or purpose which requires exercise of judgment.

doing a tax return forces certain elections on you

When can option be used instead of preference?

Although the words option and preference have much in common, option implies a power to choose that is specifically granted or guaranteed.

the option of paying now or later

When would selection be a good substitute for preference?

The words selection and preference are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, selection implies a range of choice.

a varied selection of furniture

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for preference
  1. favorite
  2. liking
  3. option
  4. promotion
  5. like
  6. choice
  7. advancement
  8. appetite
Noun
  • My personal favorite was the giant prawns, served with corn and chojang.
    — Susmita Baral, Travel + Leisure, 7 June 2025
  • This cookie, made with a deliciously crispy exterior of cornflakes, has a perfectly sweet interior thanks to maraschino cherries—a forever childhood favorite.
    — Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 7 June 2025
Definition of favorite
Noun
  • Close lid to grill and bake three to five minutes to your liking.
    — Pamela McLoughlin, Hartford Courant, 5 June 2025
  • Taste, and add more dressing, a little at a time, until the salad is dressed to your liking.
    — The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 June 2025
Definition of liking
Noun
  • With its future coverage options limited, Michigan State created a captive insurance company, Lysander Series, to provide general liability coverage.
    — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 9 June 2025
  • If finding indoor shelter is not an option: Steer clear of open fields, hilltops, or ridge tops.
    — NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 9 June 2025
Definition of option
Noun
  • Make Promotions Default Milkman and Pink advocate for a shift in promotion practices, suggesting that organizations should make promotions the default rather than requiring individuals to opt-in.
    — Julie Kratz, Forbes.com, 8 June 2025
  • Otherwise, Polk frequently received glowing feedback before and after her promotion to sergeant in 2021.
    — Shira Moolten, Sun Sentinel, 7 June 2025
Definition of promotion
Noun
  • The role had previously received rave reviews and accolades for the likes of Gloria Swanson, Glenn Close and Patti LuPone.
    — Jenelle Riley, Variety, 9 June 2025
  • Published alongside ingredients lists for the likes of Green Banana Chowder and Baobab Panko Salmon?
    — Hayley Maitland, Vogue, 7 June 2025
Definition of like
Noun
  • This is a game of choices — difficult ones, at that — in which tasks range from finding your wife and offering gifts to friends, to speaking with a skeleton who can see through time and dethroning God.
    — Matt Gardner, Forbes.com, 8 June 2025
  • The amount of sun and the exposure in your garden should be key factors in making your plant choices.
    — Tim Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 8 June 2025
Definition of choice
Noun
  • Communities that have historically been at the back of the line for technological advancements can now potentially leapfrog to implementing cutting-edge solutions tailored to their specific needs.
    — Dr. Sreeram Mullankandy, Forbes.com, 5 June 2025
  • Do any technological advancements really surprise you anymore?
    — Joe Cermele, Outdoor Life, 5 June 2025
Definition of advancement
Noun
  • Daytime sleepiness, trouble sleeping, cough, stuffy nose, and poor appetite can occur in many acute and chronic early childhood illnesses.
    — Anuradha Varanasi, Forbes.com, 31 May 2025
  • The innocence, the romantic idealism, the naiveté, the appetite for adventure — all of those things were very representative of who Amanda was and what was stolen from both Amanda and Meredith and their families, and the people surrounding them who were revictimized by the injustice that ensued.
    — Debbie Day, EW.com, 28 May 2025
Definition of appetite
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.

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Cite this Entry

“Preference.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/preference. Accessed 16 Jun. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on preference

Nglish: Translation of preference for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about preference

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