PREFERENCE Synonyms: 127 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the noun 'preference' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of preference are alternative , choice , election , option , and selection . While all these words mean "the act or opportunity of choosing or the thing chosen," preference suggests a choice guided by one's judgment or predilections. // a preference for cool weather

Q: When is it sensible to use 'alternative' instead of 'preference'?

The words alternative and preference can be used in similar contexts, but alternative implies a need to choose one and reject another possibility. // equally attractive alternatives

Q: In what contexts can 'choice' take the place of 'preference'?

The meanings of choice and preference largely overlap; however, choice suggests the opportunity or privilege of choosing freely. // freedom of choice

Q: When is 'election' a more appropriate choice than 'preference'?

While in some cases nearly identical to preference , election implies an end or purpose which requires exercise of judgment. // doing a tax return forces certain elections on you

Q: When can 'option' be used instead of 'preference'?

Although the words option and preference have much in common, option implies a power to choose that is specifically granted or guaranteed. // the option of paying now or later

Q: When would 'selection' be a good substitute for 'preference'?

The words selection and preference are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, selection implies a range of choice. // a varied selection of furniture

preference

noun

ˈpre-fərn(t)s

Definition of preference

as in favorite

a person or thing that is preferred over others my preference is soul music

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in liking

positive regard for something a preference for cool weather

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in option

the power, right, or opportunity to choose he was promised his preference when the time came to repaint his bedroom

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in promotion

a raising or a state of being raised to a higher rank or position a long-sought preference to the position of naval commander

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun preference contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of preference are alternative, choice, election, option, and selection. While all these words mean "the act or opportunity of choosing or the thing chosen," preference suggests a choice guided by one's judgment or predilections.

a preference for cool weather

When is it sensible to use alternative instead of preference?

The words alternative and preference can be used in similar contexts, but alternative implies a need to choose one and reject another possibility.

equally attractive alternatives

In what contexts can choice take the place of preference?

The meanings of choice and preference largely overlap; however, choice suggests the opportunity or privilege of choosing freely.

freedom of choice

When is election a more appropriate choice than preference?

While in some cases nearly identical to preference, election implies an end or purpose which requires exercise of judgment.

doing a tax return forces certain elections on you

When can option be used instead of preference?

Although the words option and preference have much in common, option implies a power to choose that is specifically granted or guaranteed.

the option of paying now or later

When would selection be a good substitute for preference?

The words selection and preference are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, selection implies a range of choice.

a varied selection of furniture

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 preference Materials are chosen for specific sentimentality or preference to make the design process both the jeweler’s and customer’s jobs. — Footwear News, 2 Sep. 2026 That reflects Jim Cramer's preference for CrowdStrike, which was down 6% on Wednesday as the entire cyber group took a breather. — Jeff Marks,matthew J. Belvedere, CNBC, 2 Sep. 2026 Then that early-modern wave of mechanical cutting and pasting petered out, and classicists went back to their traditional preference for transformative imitation. — Mario Carpo, Artforum, 1 Sep. 2026 The Egyptian mosquitoes are daytime feeders that show a preference for men over women. — ArsTechnica, 1 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for preference

Recent Examples of Synonyms for preference

Noun

The customer favorite is forged from iron, polypropylene, and wood, and provides a haven from wind, rain, and sun.

— Maria Conti, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Sep. 2026
The sound of the new album is lush and emotional, which Louris sees as an echo of the pop melodies of an earlier record, 1997’s Sound of Lies, a longtime fan favorite.

— Steve Appleford, SPIN, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of favorite

Noun

Because individual-stock premiums are currently richer, managers may also be able to meet their income targets by writing options against a smaller portion of the portfolio.

— Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 1 Sep. 2026
When Chelsea try to shift the ball back across to the right, Brighton press man-to-man and force Fofana to the touchline, leaving him with little option other than to play a long ball into the channel in the direction of Neto.

— Jon Mackenzie, New York Times, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of option

Noun

This shift means emotional intelligence (EI) is no longer just for promotions but is becoming an essential entry requirement, as AI handles technical tasks.

— Kevin Kruse, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
DyAnnah Butler’s promotion from diverse learning coordinator at the high school’s Washington campus to assistant principal at the district’s Alternative Optional Education Center (AOEC) was also unanimously approved by the board.

— Steve Sadin, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of promotion

Noun

Those gizmos can then be shared with the world in a TikTok-style endless scroll complete with likes, comments, reposts, and all the other hallmarks of social media addiction.

— Kyle Orland, ArsTechnica, 31 Aug. 2026
In a Facebook post with nearly 500 likes and 40 comments as of Friday afternoon, the Gagnons spoke about their experience establishing the brewery and its part in the local community.

— John Magsam, Arkansas Online, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of like

Noun

One specific area that is actively being explored is the potential of using bacteriophages, which are originally viral in nature, in conjunction with advancements in AI to help detect, track and destroy resistant bacteria forms.

— Dr. Sai Balasubramanian, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026
The advanced weapon features AV’s 20kW-class LOCUST LWS integrated on the General Motors Defense Infantry Squad Vehicle (ISV) platform–a significant advancement in mobile, frontline C-UAS capabilities.

— Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of advancement

Noun

Long-standing problems and new barriers are combining to make a career in dietetics less appealing and less financially feasible, just as the nation is increasing its appetite for nutrition in health care.

— Lauren Chan, STAT, 1 Sep. 2026
Customers from the Middle East and Southeast Asia have also expressed an appetite for the brand.

— Tianwei Zhang, Footwear News, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of appetite

Browse Nearby Words

preferably

preference

preferences

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

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

Copy Citation

Synonyms of preference

noun

Synonym Chooser

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on preference

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

apiary

Popular in Grammar & Usage

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

A List of Most Commonly Confused Words

Why do we use apostrophes to show possession?

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Popular in Wordplay

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Words of the Week - Sept. 4

Popular

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke

Games & Quizzes