preferred

1 of 2

adjective

pre·​ferred pri-ˈfərd How to pronounce preferred (audio)
Synonyms of preferrednext
1
: liked better or best : used or wanted in preference to others
a preferred method
'Leveled' is the preferred spelling in American English.
2
: having special status or receiving special treatment or benefits
preferred customers

preferred

2 of 2

past tense and past participle of prefer

Synonyms of preferred

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Adjective

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Examples of preferred in a Sentence

Adjective my preferred means of communication is e-mail
Recent Examples on the Web
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Adjective
When there must be some interlude of friction or a character needs to be brought low, The Gilded Age’s preferred mechanism is a dinner, ideally a fancy one with a complicated guest list and a variety of logistical obstacles. — Kathryn Vanarendonk, Vulture, 30 Oct. 2026 Other interviewees remembered a time when families seeking husbands for their daughters preferred sons of party cadres; today, a man with access to foreign currency or a profitable business can be much more desirable. — Jieun Baek, Foreign Affairs, 30 Oct. 2026 Then, the preferred route and concept would be selected in fall 2027. — Madison Smalstig, Sacbee.com, 30 Oct. 2026 Makeup artist Charlie Riddle worked within Pidgeon’s preferred palette of warm, skin-enhancing neutrals. — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 30 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for preferred

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1748, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of preferred was in 1748

Phrases Containing preferred

Rhymes for preferred

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Browse Nearby Words

preferment
preferred
preferred creditor
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Cite this Entry

“Preferred.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/preferred. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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