as in selected
singled out from a number or group as more to one's liking my preferred means of communication is e-mail
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in liked
to show partiality toward I generally prefer chocolate ice cream over vanilla
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in chose
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 preferred
Benjamin Royer, Oc Register, 17 Apr. 2026 Hormone replacement therapy − estrogen often coupled with progestin − is the preferred treatment for menopause, according to The Menopause Society. —Laura Trujillo, USA Today, 17 Apr. 2026
Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 16 Apr. 2026 And perhaps most importantly, retail traders are diving back into the action, as shares favored by mom-and-pop investors are on track for their best month relative to those preferred by mutual funds since November 2020. —Alexandra Semenova, Bloomberg, 16 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for preferred
Adjective
The belief remains, Kennard said, but the reality of the Lakers’ preferred roster composition collapsed when Doncic grabbed his left hamstring and hobbled off the court during the third quarter of their April 2 loss in Oklahoma City. —Benjamin Royer, Oc Register, 17 Apr. 2026 Hormone replacement therapy − estrogen often coupled with progestin − is the preferred treatment for menopause, according to The Menopause Society. —Laura Trujillo, USA Today, 17 Apr. 2026
Verb
While drinking more nutritious beverages like water, milk or whole fruit juice is always preferred over any soda, those trying to improve their habits may use diet soda as a step in the right direction. —Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 16 Apr. 2026 And perhaps most importantly, retail traders are diving back into the action, as shares favored by mom-and-pop investors are on track for their best month relative to those preferred by mutual funds since November 2020. —Alexandra Semenova, Bloomberg, 16 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for preferred
Recent Examples of Synonyms for preferred
Adjective
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The selected artist will be notified by early October.— News Release, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Mar. 2026
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The gist, however, seems to be that extra-terrestrials make contact with a selected few, before promising to go public to the entire world — good luck dealing with the ramifications of that one, human race!— Richard Edwards, Space.com, 31 Dec. 2025
Verb
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Jennifer Aniston, who was married to Theroux from 2015 to 2018, liked the post from her verified Instagram account.— Brendan Morrow, USA Today, 19 Apr. 2026
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There have always been rumors about the British royal family, and even before the former prince Andrew was arrested for suspicion of misconduct in public office, one of the rumors about him was that no one really liked him.— Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 19 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Since select streamers are offering free trials and limited-time discounts, viewers can watch the latest episodes of Kara Swisher Wants to Live Forever at no cost; keep reading to learn more about each option.— Erin Lassner, HollywoodReporter, 11 Apr. 2026
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The food tour company also offers small group culinary tours that include cooking courses taking place on select dates or that can be scheduled at any time.— Beth Luberecki, USA Today, 11 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Despite the Lakers picking up the win in the series opener, Houston is still favored to win the series.— Dan Santaromita, New York Times, 20 Apr. 2026
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Here are three stocks favored by some of Wall Street's top pros, according to TipRanks, a platform that ranks analysts based on their past performance.— TipRanks.com Staff, CNBC, 19 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Newly opened Fowlescombe Farm, a 450-acre estate in south Devon, England, where Tamworth piglets and Manx Loaghtan sheep roam free and wildflowers are encouraged to be picked, lures guests with the promise of slow living.— Jen Murphy, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Apr. 2026
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If the stem is still attached or the scar looks jagged and raised, the fruit was likely picked too early and may not be as sweet.— Sheela Prakash, Bon Appetit Magazine, 22 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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The Chinese Communist Party is resurrecting one of its favorite complaints against the Japanese government, decrying officials’ routine visit to a shrine honoring dead soldiers of World War II.— Timothy Nerozzi, The Washington Examiner, 22 Apr. 2026
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The Glow by Daye Satin Bonnets is an Allure-editor favorite and comes in a number of cute colors and patterns.— Danielle James, Allure, 22 Apr. 2026
Verb
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King George enjoyed an afternoon with his two girls while at the Royal Lodge at Windsor in this sweet photo from 1946.— Stephanie Sengwe, PEOPLE, 21 Apr. 2026
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Brian had enjoyed being in control of the band.— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 21 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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But his chosen career path ended his life — and nearly killed his heartbroken father, who suffered a stroke upon hearing the news that his son had been gunned down.— Kerry Burke, New York Daily News, 29 July 2025
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Costello’s donates products to community raffles and fundraisers, allowing chosen charities to select any item in the store worth up to $100 for their events.— Mike Klingaman, Baltimore Sun, 17 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Preferred.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.grautoblog.com/thesaurus/preferred. Accessed 23 Apr. 2026.
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