preferred 1 of 2

Definition of preferred

preferred

2 of 2

verb

past tense of prefer

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 preferred
Adjective
Its preferred fixes include rapid deployment of natural-gas turbines and fuel cells, colocating data centers with operating nuclear plants, and converting former Bitcoin-mining sites that already have access to power infrastructure. Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 20 Aug. 2026 Most of all, show evidence that MLB wants Orlando as a preferred expansion market. Rich Bradley, The Orlando Sentinel, 20 Aug. 2026
Verb
Both sides preferred mutual retrenchment to the devastation that would have ensued had the spiral continued. Gloria Xiong, Foreign Affairs, 18 Aug. 2026 Summary Research reveals humans instinctively add solutions to problems, a cognitive default observed in studies where people preferred adding over subtracting, even when removal would yield better results. Nell Derick Debevoise Dewey, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for preferred
Recent Examples of Synonyms for preferred
Adjective
  • Some cool features include a kill switch that automatically disconnects you from the internet if the VPN connection fails, as well as split tunneling that allows selected apps to use the VPN connection while others transmit data in clear text.
    K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 25 June 2026
  • These pre-selected fighter pilots and their families moved into their apartments during the summer of 1960 after residing at the Frunze Central Airfield in Moscow.
    Jeff Spry, Space.com, 27 May 2026
Verb
  • Black got the start and ran for 33 yards on eight carries, showing the decisiveness and explosiveness the 49ers liked about him during his time helping Indiana win a national championship last season.
    Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Bowman liked him enough to re-sign him, but the new contract is a two-way deal.
    Allan Mitchell, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Each flower must be picked and carefully dissected to remove three tiny red threads, known as stigmas.
    Callie Zanandrie, CBS News, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Kreeger and Fernandez Rundle picked through hundreds of dresses, shoes, T-shirts and designer jeans.
    Howard Cohen, Miami Herald, 27 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • According to documents published by the White House, other goods subject to the tax include honey, seeds and agricultural products — as well as select makeup, perfumes, clothing, jewelry, furniture, cameras, fabric and more.
    Wyatte Grantham-Philips, Los Angeles Times, 24 Aug. 2026
  • The service offers perks like cash back from select manufacturers and special discounts on specific vehicles.
    Kelsey Neubauer,Jasmin Suknanan, CNBC, 24 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Falling asleep to the ocean breeze and crashing waves encapsulates the essence of Essaouira, a city long favored by a bohemian crowd.
    Katie Silcox, Vogue, 23 Aug. 2026
  • Cook Political Report rates the battle for control of the Senate as a toss up, with Republicans favored slightly to win.
    Sara Dorn, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • My favorite scare must have been accomplished with the person-doubling technology from The Prestige.
    Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 26 Aug. 2026
  • It's positioned by the infinity pool and our favorite slice of sand, where beanbag loungers squat in front of a cocktail bar and a cinema-sized projector on movie nights.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Open for breakfast and lunch, the eatery sticks largely to the classics—think omelets, pancakes, eggs Benedict, and plenty of biscuits, best enjoyed smothered in gravy, of course.
    Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Growing up in Minnesota, my family and I enjoyed the usual holiday traditions at Christmas time.
    Nicole Russell, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Popular culture really likes to lionize chosen families.
    Natasha O'Neill, Vanity Fair, 9 June 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Preferred.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/preferred. Accessed 29 Aug. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster