PREFERS Synonyms: 78 Similar and Opposite Words

prefers

verb

present tense third-person singular of prefer

as in likes

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in chooses

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 prefers Commentary and opinion Of course the government should regulate AI, but not the way the AI industry prefers, argues columnist Michael Hiltzik. — Jack Dolan, Los Angeles Times, 13 Oct. 2026 The best work usually looks like nothing happened, which is exactly why so much of the industry prefers the kind of work that looks busy. — Angelica Kopec, Forbes.com, 13 Oct. 2026 Classic studs can become everyday staples, while distinctive settings or statement designs suit someone who prefers jewelry with more personality. — Ethan Stone october 9, Idaho Statesman, 9 Oct. 2026 DiCanio prefers guard to tackle, and the reason aligns perfectly with Lake Zurich’s longtime identity on offense. — Steve Reaven, Chicago Tribune, 8 Oct. 2026 As for her complexion, Anderson still prefers to keep her skin bare. — Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 8 Oct. 2026 The solid ash frame keeps things grounded, with a generously deep seat that gives you room to settle in for a long dinner (or sit crisscrossed, as Arzbaecher prefers). — Vy Yang, Architectural Digest, 7 Oct. 2026 Liebman, however, prefers a different approach — a focus on total return. — Cheryl Winokur Munk, CNBC, 6 Oct. 2026 But these four stood out, especially because they were caught on camera and quickly raced across social media, not the kind of viral moments the NFL prefers. — ABC News, 6 Oct. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for prefers

Verb

Senior Anna Stromberg first started getting her hair styled by Huettl sophomore year, and likes to do a bun with either four braids, dragon braids, or two braids.

— Audrey Noble, Vogue, 15 Oct. 2026
For everyone who likes to cook (or eat), The Grateful Gourmet is the stop.

— Julia Sayers Gokhale, Midwest Living, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of likes

Verb

If the Fed chooses to raise interest rates to tamp todayâ€™s inflation down, capital-intensive renewables will suffer.

— Tim McDonnell, semafor.com, 15 Oct. 2026
Herbert Nordrum chooses the funniest — and, ironically, maybe most British — possible allegory when describing his involvement in Georgia Oakley’s Sense and Sensibility.

— Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of chooses

Verb

Once a company selects a preferred motor approach, researchers can transition the results into Motor AI to generate detailed design configurations and engineering specifications.

— Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 15 Oct. 2026
The Cook Mixer then selects which competitors will step forward and take on the challenge.

— Max Goldbart, Deadline, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of selects

Verb

The broadcaster and champion of the high street, who transformed the fortunes of Harvey Nichols, picks her favourites.

— The Week UK, TheWeek, 16 Oct. 2026
AutoCAM then suggests how to hold the part, picks the tools and generates the machining operations, followed by a material-removal simulation to check the job before any metal is cut.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of picks

Verb

Tinderholt wants to lower property taxes, fully fund law enforcement, audit the budget, grow the economy and protect election integrity.

— Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 18 Oct. 2026
Underdog wants to give you even more joy with an offer to play $5 on the game and earn a $10 bonus bet.

— OutKick, FOXNews.com, 18 Oct. 2026

Definition of wants

Browse Nearby Words

preferring

prefers

prefigure

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Prefers.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prefers. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of prefers

verb

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

compunction

Popular in Grammar & Usage

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

The Exceptions of '-s' and '-es' Plurals

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

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

Popular in Wordplay

16 Food Words Recently Added to the Dictionary

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

7 Words for Bad Endings and Rough Situations

Did 'orange' the fruit or the color come first?

Popular

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

16 Food Words Recently Added to the Dictionary

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'

Games & Quizzes