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
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Recent Examples of prefer
Ideally, just as in a nominal crew turnover, NASA would prefer to launch Crew-12 prior to Crew-11's departure.
—
Josh Dinner, Space.com, 9 Jan. 2026
Bryan tends to prefer an overloaded album, as evidenced by the 19-song track list on The Great American Bar Scene and the 16-song track list on Zach Bryan (2023) — and especially by the 34 entries on 2022’s American Heartbreak.
—Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 9 Jan. 2026
And the Deloitte Center for Health Solutions revealed seventy-six percent of Americans would prefer to use food over prescription medications to support their health.
—Vanessa Yurkevich, CNN Money, 9 Jan. 2026
South America, Japan, Australia, and other markets largely prefer smaller or non-luxury cars and trucks.
—Erik Shilling, Robb Report, 9 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for prefer
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prefer
Verb
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For solo travelers or anyone who likes an extra layer of security, these personal safety devices are practical, compact, and easy to use.—
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The Bears held just a walkthrough on Wednesday, surely with no heaters on the sideline, which is apparently the way Ben Johnson likes it.—
Verb
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If a player chooses not to negotiate with the Panthers, that player will be unable to sign elsewhere, unless Carolina relinquishes his rights by not offering him a tender.—
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There are 23 colors to choose from, plus petite sizes S–XXL.—
Verb
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Ball enjoys every second of their interactions, too.—
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The winner will get to enjoy Super Bowl LX in Santa Clara, California, with a full official Super Bowl Experience, including round-trip airfare, three-night hotel accommodations, plus a $1,000 gift card for expenses.—
Verb
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Given the way her last-minute election over Worrell, a Black man, unfolded, Flynn and Murphy called for Breadon to reconsider her vice presidency pick, and select a councilor of color as her deputy rather than Coletta Zapata.—
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Sheppard, a 2011 NFL draft pick, was selected by the Buffalo Bills before playing for Indianapolis, Miami, New York and Detroit.—
Verb
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The administration has quietly directed diplomats to press allies on restricting inflows, enhancing deportation mechanisms, and ending policies perceived as favoring migrants over citizens.—
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Instead, designers are favoring a few consistent shapes, aligned and grouped just so.—
Verb
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He was hand picked by Jeopardy producers to succeed Trebek before his passing, and even got the blessing of the longtime host's widow, Jean Trebek.—
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He was picked to play for Latvia in the Winter Olympics next month in Milan, Italy.—
Verb
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The same doesn't apply to any amphibians who might want to join her in the night, however.—
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And the shorter length is ideal for petite shoppers or those who just want to let their ankles breathe while out and about.—
Cite this Entry
“Prefer.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prefer. Accessed 20 Jan. 2026.
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