preferential

adjective

pref·​er·​en·​tial ˌpre-fə-ˈren(t)-shəl How to pronounce preferential (audio)
1
: showing preference
preferential treatment
2
: employing or creating a preference in trade relations
3
: designed to permit expression of preference among candidates
a preferential primary
4
: giving preference especially in hiring to union members
a preferential shop
preferentially
ˌpre-fə-ˈren(t)-sh(ə-)lē How to pronounce preferential (audio)
adverb

Examples of preferential in a Sentence

powerful people who demand preferential treatment from politicians
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.
Vietnam has emerged as a preferred alternative for apparel manufacturing, benefiting from preferential trade agreements including EVFTA with the EU and CPTPP with Japan, Canada and Australia. — Advertorial, Footwear News, 20 Oct. 2026 Documentary branch voters, using a preferential voting system, annually produce a shortlist of 15 movies, announced in mid-December. — Glenn Whipp, Los Angeles Times, 19 Oct. 2026 Officials must fully disclose financial interests, gifts and conflicts, recuse themselves when legally required and avoid private arrangements that create even the appearance of preferential treatment. — Orlando Sentinel Staff, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 Oct. 2026 Acting on broad policy direction from Beijing, provincial and city officials offered companies generous subsidies, tax breaks, and preferential leases on land. — Scott Singer, Foreign Affairs, 12 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for preferential

Word History

First Known Use

1849, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of preferential was in 1849

Rhymes for preferential

See All Rhymes for preferential

Browse Nearby Words

preferent
preferential
preferential ballot
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Preferential.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/preferential. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

preferential

adjective
pref·​er·​en·​tial ˌpref-ə-ˈren-chəl How to pronounce preferential (audio)
1
: of or relating to preference
2
: showing preference
preferential treatment
3
: creating or using preference in trading
4
: permitting the showing of order of preference (as of candidates in an election)
a preferential ballot
preferentially
-ˈrench-(ə-)lē How to pronounce preferential (audio)
adverb

Legal Definition

preferential

adjective
pref·​e·​ren·​tial ˌpre-fə-ˈren-chəl How to pronounce preferential (audio)
1
: of or constituting a preference
a preferential transfer
2
: giving preference to union members especially in hiring
a preferential shop
3
: showing preference
these creditors may obtain preferential treatment
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