PREFER Synonyms: 77 Similar and Opposite Words

prefer

verb

pri-ˈfər

Definition of prefer

as in to like

to show partiality toward I generally prefer chocolate ice cream over vanilla

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 Bäck’s film prefers untidy personal drama to a tidy moral verdict. — Guy Lodge, Variety, 10 Aug. 2026 Romero would prefer a move to the Spotify Camp Nou above all, however, but there has been no official approach to his camp as of yet. — Tom Sanderson, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026 An influx of younger and diverse candidates (of little interest to big donors who prefer savvy incumbents) ran and won. — Elona Vaisnys, Hartford Courant, 9 Aug. 2026 Pollard, who sold coal for 35 years, said the world is shifting around Kemmerer, even if some residents would prefer things stay the same. — Trevor Hughes, USA Today, 9 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for prefer

Recent Examples of Synonyms for prefer

Verb

Law likes Bobby’s dye pattern, but Willy and Heidi both think the dress’s baggy, circular shape is unflattering.

— Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 14 Aug. 2026
Glasner has the energy of a man who doesn’t want to be liked, but does want to be admired.

— Tim Spiers, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of like

Verb

Six players choose Izzy as the impostor, and not for the last time in this episode.

— Tasha Robinson, Vulture, 11 Aug. 2026
Eaton advises checking local facilities for specific costs and remembering that those costs do not include in-vitro fertilization treatment if the patient later chooses to use the eggs.

— Jen Christensen, CNN Money, 11 Aug. 2026

Definition of choose

Verb

Jewel enjoys a casual summer day while shopping at the What Goes Around Comes Around pop-up in Aspen.

— People Staff, PEOPLE, 9 Aug. 2026
There are certainly plenty of spots along the banks from which to take in the view, but it is best enjoyed from the deck of your own river cruise, which are plentiful and can be surprisingly cheap.

— CNT Editors, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Aug. 2026

Definition of enjoy

Verb

Then the youngest member of Team USA, Rivera was not selected to contribute counting performances in the 2024 Olympic team final.

— Caroline Price, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
The latter curated the event, hand-selecting performers and often songs, also playing keyboards throughout the night.

— Katherine Turman, Rolling Stone, 9 Aug. 2026

Definition of select

Verb

The belief is that ESPN — the exclusive broadcast rights holder for CFP and SEC games — could be interested in the 20-team compromise rather than the 24-team model favored by the Big Ten.

— Chris Vannini, New York Times, 11 Aug. 2026
Special votes have favored left-wing parties in modern times.

— ABC News, ABC News, 10 Aug. 2026

Definition of favor

Verb

Backstage, Kenny Omega calls the Don Callis Family bullies and tells them to pick any three members to face him and The Young Bucks, who are standing beside Omega, next week.

— Rob Wolkenbrod, Forbes.com, 16 Aug. 2026
Antioch Full Gospel Baptist Church members who are facing off in court over control of the College Station congregation will meet Monday to determine the process for picking who gets to preach.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 15 Aug. 2026

Definition of pick

Verb

When interviewed by The Athletic in May, head coach Lampard was clear that recruitment would be key if Coventry wanted to compete back in the Premier League.

— Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2026
That aching ballad about wanting more, aside from being one of the big showstoppers, holds a special place for Greene.

— ABC News, ABC News, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of want

Browse Nearby Words

prefatory

prefer

preferably

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Prefer.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prefer. Accessed 16 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of prefer

verb

Example Sentences

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