preferable

adjective

pref·​er·​a·​ble ˈpre-f(ə-)rə-bəl How to pronounce preferable (audio)
ˈpre-fər-bəl
also pri-ˈfər-ə-bəl
: having greater value or desirability : being preferred
preferability
ˌpre-f(ə-)rə-ˈbi-lə-tē How to pronounce preferable (audio)
noun

Examples of preferable in a Sentence

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.
But considering Alex DeBrincat will turn 29 in December, a seven-year deal is actually preferable in this case. — Max Bultman, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026 Owning a stake in a profitable, growing business that provides a wanted product or service over the long term is preferable to owning paper currency, which is destined to lose purchasing power over time. — Bill Stone, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2026 Long sleeves are preferable to short sleeves when camping, and a shirt with a hood is superior to one without. — Olivia Young, Travel + Leisure, 13 Aug. 2026 Both to our minds are less than ideal, although the former is significantly worse than the preferable latter. — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 26 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for preferable

Word History

First Known Use

1666, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of preferable was in 1666

Rhymes for preferable

See All Rhymes for preferable

Browse Nearby Words

preferability
preferable
preferableness
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Preferable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/preferable. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

preferable

adjective
pref·​er·​a·​ble ˈpref-(ə-)rə-bəl How to pronounce preferable (audio)
ˈpref-ər-bəl
: worthy to be preferred : more desirable
preferability
ˌpref-(ə-)rə-ˈbil-ət-ē How to pronounce preferable (audio)
noun
preferably
ˈpref-(ə-)rə-blē How to pronounce preferable (audio)
ˈpref-ər-
adverb
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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