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 For attendees who prefer metal to ink, Wander Ink also offers piercings at the festival. — Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 1 Oct. 2026 Bettors making a larger first wager may prefer BetMGM’s offer of up to $1,500 back in bonus bets if the first bet loses. — Outkick, FOXNews.com, 30 Sep. 2026 Although the federal government prefers to let OpenAI police itself, the company made commitments to California and Delaware state attorneys general when seeking to restructure so that the company could solicit more funds, Calvin told NBC News. — Ashley Belanger, ArsTechnica, 30 Sep. 2026 Unlike his siblings, Christopher, the Director of Development for Indus Valley Media, prefers to stay out of the Hollywood spotlight. — Leigh Blickley, Entertainment Weekly, 29 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for prefer

Recent Examples of Synonyms for prefer

Verb

Simply liking someone, feeling close to them or spending hours together isn’t enough to create an attachment relationship.

— Pascal Vrticka, Scientific American, 4 Oct. 2026
Brower and Simone covered the floor around their refrigerator -- where Primrose likes to perch and poop -- with birdcage liner.

— KYLE MELNICK THE WASHINGTON POST, Arkansas Online, 4 Oct. 2026

Definition of like

Verb

Guests often choose the property for its proximity to Hanifaru Bay, famed for its seasonal gatherings of manta rays.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
Reher said buyers should look at conditions in their target market before choosing whether to borrow or pay cash.

— Bilin Lin, Fortune, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of choose

Verb

Homegrown chip design firm SkyeChip also enjoyed a blockbuster IPO on the Bursa Malaysia stock exchange in May, surging 300% on its main market debut.

— Angelica Ang, Fortune, 5 Oct. 2026
Fans of modernist architecture will find much else to enjoy, too – not least in Ibirapuera Park, with its striking array of mid-century buildings by Oscar Niemeyer, including the pavilion that now houses the superb Museu Afro Brasil.

— The Week UK, TheWeek, 4 Oct. 2026

Definition of enjoy

Verb

The Kansas City Board of Police Commissioners will be tasked with selecting the department’s new leader.

— Nathan Pilling, Kansas City Star, 2 Oct. 2026
At the Hästens Sleep Spa in Coimbra, Portugal, for example, guests select their preferred pillow firmness at check-in—a small detail designed to make the bed feel more personalized.

— Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of select

Verb

Expect greed, luck, obsession and the old adage that fortune really does favor the brave (and the strange, according to A+E).

— Max Goldbart, Deadline, 7 Oct. 2026
Robert Coon, managing partner at Impact Management Group, a political consulting and public-opinion firm with an Arkansas office, said that welfare work requirement policy is generally favored in Arkansas.

— Laura Turbay, Los Angeles Times, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of favor

Verb

Politically, spiritually, institutionally, financially, environmentally, psychologically — pick your adverb.

— Sara Holdren, Vulture, 2 Oct. 2026
The affidavit said the woman also provided police photos of her injuries and said a friend attempted to pick her up from the home on on the day of the incident but was turned away.

— Alexandra Del Rosario, Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2026

Definition of pick

Verb

Stats show travel retail stores are being mined for discovery and unforgettable memories, with 86 percent of people wanting exclusive beauty offers in the channel, according to L’Oréal.

— Jennifer Weil, Footwear News, 6 Oct. 2026
In January, a section of Interstate 70 is scheduled to close for 11 months, and the Missouri Department of Transportation wants residents to be prepared.

— Eleanor Nash, Kansas City Star, 6 Oct. 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 9 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of prefer

verb

Example Sentences

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