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.
Congress is consumed with whether to extend the preferential trade program, when the more important question is what comes after it. — Daniele Nyirandutiye, semafor.com, 6 July 2026 Yes, superstar players receive preferential treatment from referees, although nothing like as much as many fans seem to think. — Graham Scott, New York Times, 19 June 2026 Amazon Fire TVs certainly seems to give some preferential treatment to its own content over others. — Brian Welk, IndieWire, 16 June 2026 The preferential treatment of investment income versus labor income. — Annie Lowrey, The Atlantic, 6 July 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
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Cite this Entry

“Preferential.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/preferential. Accessed 10 Jul. 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

More from Merriam-Webster on preferential

Nglish: Translation of preferential for Spanish Speakers

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