preferred

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

Synonyms of preferred

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Examples of preferred in a Sentence

my preferred means of communication is e-mail
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.
Fully on-site work is the preferred arrangement for just 4% of millennials, according to a recent Gallup poll. — Preston Fore, Fortune, 2 July 2026 The Federal Reserve’s preferred inflation gauge rose to a new three-year high in May as gas prices peaked during the war with Iran. — Moriah Balingit, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026 The Miami Herald’s findings offer a window into how American Mission is spending vast sums of money to promote its preferred candidates. — Claire Heddles, Miami Herald, 2 July 2026 Jeff Bezos on Blue Origin watch now Choose CNBC as your preferred source on Google and never miss a moment from the most trusted name in business news. — Annie Palmer, CNBC, 2 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for preferred

Word History

First Known Use

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 10 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on preferred

Nglish: Translation of preferred for Spanish Speakers

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