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
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.
Adjective
Of course, if the trivia category is not your preferred flavor — as was the case for me with the legal terms in this puzzle — then the cookie dough lode can feel more like freezer burn to hack at with a spoon. — Sean McGowan, New York Times, 9 Oct. 2026 Paris Fashion Week wrapped up a month of inventive and expressive street style, with denim often serving as the preferred canvas. — Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 9 Oct. 2026 Suite 300, Overland Park, Kansas, 66210 (913) 825-6100 Choose CNBC as your preferred source on Google and never miss a moment from the most trusted name in business news. — CNBC, 8 Oct. 2026 Amid the momentum toward new federal regulations, Big Tech companies are lobbying for their preferred policy. — Darius Tahir, CBS News, 8 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 14 Oct. 2026.

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