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 Jim would prefer that the company buy back shares rather than invest in more companies. — Natasha Abellard, CNBC, 31 Aug. 2026 About 30% of rural Texas voters prefer Talarico to Paxton, according to recent polls, which means the attorney general still has a significant lead with voters outside cities and suburbs. — Eleanor Dearman updated August 29, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 Aug. 2026 Contextually aligned ads increase recall by up to 40%, and 94% of consumers prefer them to ads based solely on identity or browsing history. — Jon Kirchner, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2026 Black voters still prefer former Vice President Kamala Harris, another potential 2028 contender, over Newsom, according to an Emerson College poll from May. — Lia Russell, Sacbee.com, 28 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for prefer

Recent Examples of Synonyms for prefer

Verb

Vance went on to speak highly of Thune, who is widely liked by his fellow Republican lawmakers in the Senate.

— Mabinty Quarshie, The Washington Examiner, 3 Sep. 2026
That Ballmer’s fellow owners like and respect him, though, did not keep them from wanting the Clippers to be punished, and severely, if the accusations proved true.

— David Aldridge, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of like

Verb

Shop the Patio Zen Deck Box in black or gray and choose from 16 capacities ranging from 30 to 320 gallons.

— Maria Conti, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Sep. 2026
Festivalgoers were never forced to choose between artists, as sets were separated by 10-minute breaks, preventing overlap.

— Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of choose

Verb

For the property, owner Jo Ellard selected 400 paintings, collages, photos, and sculptures sourced from antiques sales, Art Basel shows around the world, and her own private collection.

— Christine Lennon, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Aug. 2026
Miami then sent the Green Bay Packers a 2028 sixth-round pick for Kyle McCord, a former Syracuse standout the Eagles selected in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft.

— Omar Kelly August 30, Miami Herald, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of select

Verb

Although Edouard is not forecast to become a hurricane, the hurricane center has warned coastal residents to closely monitor the forecast as the storm is in an area of warmer than normal water and low wind shear, which favor strengthening.

— Doyle Rice, USA Today, 1 Sep. 2026
Dorit Reiss, a professor at the University of California College of the Law, San Francisco, who studies cases involving vaccine disputes, told me that judges sometimes favor the pro-vaccine parent, but not always.

— Ruby Cramer, New Yorker, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of favor

Verb

Allergists recommend bypassing diphenhydramine (Benadryl) and instead, picking your favorite nonsedating antihistamine pill, like fexofenadine (Allegra), loratadine (Claritin) or cetirizine (Zyrtec), according to the World Allergy Organization.

— Dr. Jill Grimes, CNN Money, 29 Aug. 2026
For some Donalds supporters, like 56-year-old Cushing from Aventura, the choice to pick a Cuban American as lieutenant governor did signal a bigger change in the Republican Party and was worth highlighting.

— Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of pick

Verb

With a hot war raging in Ukraine, these journalists don’t want to ask for anyone’s sympathy, which in turn heightens their alienation and frustration.

— Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 4 Sep. 2026
After Joplin police reached out to the FBI, the campaign manager told federal authorities that Ross wanted the drugs planted in Secker’s car or purse while Ross was on vacation in South Carolina, the affidavit alleges.

— Ava Kelley, NBC news, 4 Sep. 2026

Definition of want

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prefatory

prefer

preferably

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Style

“Prefer.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prefer. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of prefer

verb

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