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 When forced to choose, most of the world still prefers working with Washington, and most of those who choose Beijing are likely betting on predictions about its economic rise. — Adam Y. Liu, Foreign Affairs, 2 Sep. 2026 Yet as ever, Swanberg prefers to show the real experience of dating, not its Hollywoodized ideal. — Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 2 Sep. 2026 Mimikyu hates bright sunlight and prefers to stay in dark, hidden places. — Denise Petski, Deadline, 31 Aug. 2026 My mom likes to travel light and always prefers budget-friendly items in case anything gets lost or breaks. — Annita Katee, Travel + Leisure, 31 Aug. 2026 The second-generation iPhone SE is a practical option for anyone who prefers smaller phones and Apple’s physical Home button. — Stackcommerce Team, PC Magazine, 27 Aug. 2026 Andoni Iraola’s side are still hoping to do a deal with Paris Saint-Germain for Bradley Barcola, who prefers to play on the left flank, having discussed a move all summer. — Jon MacKenzie, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026 In reality, Loesby contends, many struggles reflect predictable structural mismatches — a lawyer who prefers depth and analysis struggling in a role that rewards constant responsiveness, or one who thrives on collaboration disengaging in isolation. — Malana Vantyler, USA Today, 26 Aug. 2026 Rather, the country legend and entrepreneur prefers to channel most of her emotions and beliefs through her songwriting. — Devon Ivie, Vulture, 25 Aug. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for prefers

Verb

Henderson also likes the Garden's coming schedule of bookings, which remains robust.

— Michael Bloom, CNBC, 29 Aug. 2026
Furthermore, is there any reliable way for working out whether someone likes us or is trying to take advantage of us, or trying to manipulate us?

— Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of likes

Verb

If the prosecution chooses not to retry the case, Clancy would be returned to the psychiatric facility until the Plymouth County District Attorney decides to drop the charges, at which point she would be released, Hershon said.

— Rebekah Riess, CNN Money, 3 Sep. 2026
It's shaped by moments when a leader chooses the enterprise over the function, treats people with respect under pressure and creates confidence amid uncertainty.

— Bala Sathyanarayanan, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of chooses

Verb

At the same time, the collaboration enjoys enormous gains on two other lists.

— Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026
Opponents say the current setup is just right and that Iceland already enjoys all the benefits of European integration without the sovereignty compromises that inevitably will come from being a full member.

— ABC News, ABC News, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of enjoys

Verb

When there are multiple logical possibilities for what the next word should be, the model typically selects one of those words by chance, based on their relative frequencies in the data.

— Harmeet Kaur, CNN Money, 20 Aug. 2026
Each envelope contains a message meant to encourage, validate or uplift the person who selects it.

— Sophia Buonpane, Kansas City Star, 13 Aug. 2026

Definition of selects

Verb

The pattern of warmer than normal water along the equator in the Eastern Pacific heats things up and favors increases in the number of tropical storms and hurricanes in the Pacific.

— Doyle Rice, USA Today, 31 Aug. 2026
The partial lunar eclipse favors observers across North and South America.

— Daisy Dobrijevic, Space.com, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of favors

Verb

As the 2026 Emmys inch ever closer and Vanity Fair finalizes our 2026 Emmy winner predictions, our printable Emmys ballot 2026 is here to capture your winner picks across 26 categories, from best drama to outstanding reality TV host.

— Savannah Walsh, Vanity Fair, 1 Sep. 2026
Standout picks include these autumnal Mary Jane shoes, which are going for just $18, and this Bluetooth speaker that’s an impressive 69 percent off.

— Alyssa Grabinski, PEOPLE, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of picks

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preferring

prefers

prefigure

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Style

“Prefers.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prefers. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of prefers

verb

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