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
For folks who are looking for an even more affordable experience, or who would prefer to skip the charcuterie, a wine-only tasting costs just $15 per person.
—
Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 28 Apr. 2026
Named for the interesting seed pods that resemble hops, it is related to American Hornbeam (Carpinus caroliniana), as both are members of the birch family, but where Hophornbeam prefers upland soils, Hornbeam prefers floodplains.
—Miri Talabac, Baltimore Sun, 28 Apr. 2026
But Serkis prefers his Trojan horse without the slaughter.
—Clare Mulroy, USA Today, 28 Apr. 2026
Listeners might prefer Kehlani’s back half.
—Alfred Soto, Pitchfork, 28 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for prefer
Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 28 Apr. 2026
Named for the interesting seed pods that resemble hops, it is related to American Hornbeam (Carpinus caroliniana), as both are members of the birch family, but where Hophornbeam prefers upland soils, Hornbeam prefers floodplains.
—Miri Talabac, Baltimore Sun, 28 Apr. 2026
But Serkis prefers his Trojan horse without the slaughter.
—Clare Mulroy, USA Today, 28 Apr. 2026
Listeners might prefer Kehlani’s back half.
—Alfred Soto, Pitchfork, 28 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for prefer
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prefer
Verb
-
His mom likes another young lady for her son, not my daughter.—
R. Eric Thomas,
Chicago Tribune,
30 Apr. 2026
-
Knicks head coach Mike Brown likes to carry an iPad with him.—
Kristian Winfield,
New York Daily News,
29 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Keep it simple, stay within your limits, and choose what actually supports you long term.—
Tarot.com,
Hartford Courant,
26 Apr. 2026
-
Documents show both deputies received Skelly conferences — pre-disciplinary hearings afforded to public employees who choose to rebut misconduct allegations.—
Kelly Davis,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
26 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Jamal Murray, who enjoyed his best regular season, looks spent when facing McDaniels.—
Troy Renck,
Denver Post,
25 Apr. 2026
-
The weather will be similar to Thursday, a great night to fire up the grill or enjoy a beverage on the porch before the showers come in late.—
Bill Kelly,
CBS News,
24 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
All products featured on Bon Appétit are independently selected by our editors.—
Rebecca Firkser,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
25 Apr. 2026
-
After selecting Cooper and Ponds, the Jets became the fourth team in the modern era to select multiple Indiana players in the same draft [49ers, Giants, and Bears].—
Antwan Staley,
New York Daily News,
25 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Because of this, they’re often favored by beginner investors or those who want flexibility.—
Roxanne Downer,
USA Today,
28 Apr. 2026
-
Webster fended off the threat, with nearly 51% of voters favoring the incumbent.—
Annie Martin,
The Orlando Sentinel,
28 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
For Daniels, getting picked was going to be a relief.—
Nate Atkins,
New York Times,
27 Apr. 2026
-
When picking your tomatillos, go for a medium size and look for smooth pieces with no cracks or bruises.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
27 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Felicia Anderson, 39, is wanted on a half-dozen criminal counts, including first-degree assault, second-degree assault and weapons violations.—
Alexa Ashwell,
Baltimore Sun,
1 May 2026
-
Holland doesn't want to force sobriety on anyone.—
Charles Trepany,
USA Today,
1 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Prefer.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prefer. Accessed 2 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
