PREFERS Synonyms: 78 Similar and Opposite Words

prefers

verb

present tense third-person singular of prefer

as in likes

to show partiality toward I generally prefer chocolate ice cream over vanilla

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in chooses

to decide to accept (someone or something) from a group of possibilities most buyers of that vehicle have preferred the model with four-wheel drive

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.

Recent Examples of prefers When name brands are still worth the money Some products just have a flavor or texture your family genuinely prefers, and a cheaper swap is not actually a savings if the box sits untouched in the pantry. — Ashley Lynch, Charlotte Observer, 27 Oct. 2026 The organization has a political arm, CAIR Action, which lists candidates in 39 states and whether the group opposes, remains neutral, prefers or endorses individuals based on how well the candidate aligns with CAIR Action’s priorities. — Rachel Royster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Oct. 2026 For the fashion lover who prefers to make a statement, look to the collection’s red-hot faux-fur Madison shoulder bag. — Laura Jackson, Vogue, 27 Oct. 2026 If everyone prefers one option to another, the group’s ranking should reflect that preference. — Alex Stone, Quanta Magazine, 26 Oct. 2026 Janus prefers to keep the conversation focused on the memory of those who were lost to the crime. — Lauren Mascarenhas, CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2026 Holmen’s own mountaineering guide Audun prefers not to share the names or locations of ascents anymore. — Arati Menon, Condé Nast Traveler, 24 Oct. 2026 Mirin is often described as sweet with subtle umami, but Sonoko Sakai, author of Japanese Home Cooking, prefers the term koku. — Bon Appétit, Bon Appetit Magazine, 23 Oct. 2026 The queen, who prefers a shorter heel, is known for keeping a handful of clothing and shoe designers at the ready for her royal duties. — Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 23 Oct. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for prefers

Verb

In the small-cap space, Piper Sandler's Tenthoff likes Monte Rosa Therapeutics, a pioneer in protein degradation that selectively destroys disease-causing proteins.

— Paulina Likos, CNBC, 24 Oct. 2026
After viciously hitting step-back threes, trash talking anyone who dares tempt him and racking up two NBA scoring titles, Doncic just likes to stay home, maybe get lunch or play cards.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of likes

Verb

Yet even in the aftermath of her terrible grief, Josie’s mother, Chrissie, doubles down and chooses to put Josie through the operation as well.

— Natasha O'Neill, Vanity Fair, 22 Oct. 2026
Much like her character Klara, Ortega chooses to have faith in humans and their spontaneous wonder.

— Andrea Flores, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of chooses

Verb

For the award, a jury typically selects four nominees, who show together at the Centre Pompidou in October.

— Harrison Jacobs, ARTnews.com, 23 Oct. 2026
After much hemming and hawing, Diplo selects an orange flower to purchase and posts a video to his Instagram stories in which the man holds up his shopping bag printed with a website for his wares.

— Ian Servantes, Footwear News, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of selects

Verb

Each journalist picks 10 names from the 30 nominees in descending order, with each position scored on a basis of 15 points for the top choice and one for the 10th.

— ABC News, ABC News, 25 Oct. 2026
The slightly bigger but AI-free LG 45 Ultragear OLED (45GX950A-B) and the 39-inch Alienware 39 5K OLED Gaming Monitor (AW3926QW) are better choices and remain our Editors' Choice picks in this category.

— Zackery Cuevas, PC Magazine, 25 Oct. 2026

Definition of picks

Verb

Indonesia wants to benefit from both, Mari Pangestu, Indonesian National Economic Council's vice chair, told reporters at a University of Hong Kong Business School event.

— ABC News, ABC News, 25 Oct. 2026
Talarico wants all Americans to be able to join Medicare; Paxton proposed a $25,000 tax deduction for out-of-pocket medical expenses.

— Jesse Bedayn, Los Angeles Times, 25 Oct. 2026

Definition of wants

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preferring

prefers

prefigure

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“Prefers.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prefers. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of prefers

verb

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