preferable

1 of 2

adjective

pref·​er·​a·​ble ˈpre-f(ə-)rə-bəl How to pronounce preferable (audio)
ˈpre-fər-bəl
also pri-ˈfər-ə-bəl
: having greater value or desirability : being preferred
preferability
ˌpre-f(ə-)rə-ˈbi-lə-tē How to pronounce preferable (audio)
noun

preferability

2 of 2

noun

pref·​er·​a·​bil·​i·​ty ˌpref(ə)rəˈbilətē How to pronounce preferability (audio)
-lətē, 
-i
: preferableness

Examples of preferable in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Adjective
On paper, free-market purists surely find this preferable. — Michael Santoli, CNBC, 23 June 2026 This presented a scenario where, arguably, for them, a draw might be preferable to a victory. — Oliver Kay, New York Times, 28 June 2026 Using ceiling fans at night is preferable to opening windows, which can bring excess heat and moisture inside. — Abby Monteil, The Spruce, 26 June 2026 While aggressive species can certainly create problems, a low-growing weed is often preferable to a patch of bare soil. — Markis Hill, Kansas City Star, 28 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for preferable

Word History

Etymology

Noun

preferable + -ity

First Known Use

Adjective

1666, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of preferable was in 1666

Rhymes for preferable

See All Rhymes for preferable

Browse Nearby Words

preferability
preferable
preferableness
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Preferable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/preferable. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

preferable

adjective
pref·​er·​a·​ble ˈpref-(ə-)rə-bəl How to pronounce preferable (audio)
ˈpref-ər-bəl
: worthy to be preferred : more desirable
preferability
ˌpref-(ə-)rə-ˈbil-ət-ē How to pronounce preferable (audio)
noun
preferably
ˈpref-(ə-)rə-blē How to pronounce preferable (audio)
ˈpref-ər-
adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on preferable

Nglish: Translation of preferable for Spanish Speakers

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