preferential

adjective

pref·​er·​en·​tial ˌpre-fə-ˈren(t)-shəl How to pronounce preferential (audio)
1
: showing preference
preferential treatment
2
: employing or creating a preference in trade relations
3
: designed to permit expression of preference among candidates
a preferential primary
4
: giving preference especially in hiring to union members
a preferential shop
preferentially
ˌpre-fə-ˈren(t)-sh(ə-)lē How to pronounce preferential (audio)
adverb

Examples of preferential in a Sentence

powerful people who demand preferential treatment from politicians
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.
In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Jen Shah, the Real Housewives of Salt Lake City alum who served a sentence for fraud at the same facility, accused prison officials of giving Maxwell preferential treatment behind bars. — Ben Brachfeld, PEOPLE, 25 Aug. 2026 Giving a mother who kills preferential treatment harkens to the patronizing assumption that women lack agency. — Dr. Susan Hatters Friedman, Hartford Courant, 23 Aug. 2026 That means even products that otherwise qualify for preferential treatment under the North American trade pact could have been included in these duties. — Elisabeth Buchwald, CNN Money, 19 Aug. 2026 As Sportico explained, the sale occurring after the one-year anniversary of Walter buying the team last October could save him about $425 million through the preferential treatment of long-term capital gains. — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 18 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for preferential

Word History

First Known Use

1849, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of preferential was in 1849

Rhymes for preferential

See All Rhymes for preferential

Browse Nearby Words

preferent
preferential
preferential ballot
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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Kids Definition

preferential

adjective
pref·​er·​en·​tial ˌpref-ə-ˈren-chəl How to pronounce preferential (audio)
1
: of or relating to preference
2
: showing preference
preferential treatment
3
: creating or using preference in trading
4
: permitting the showing of order of preference (as of candidates in an election)
a preferential ballot
preferentially
-ˈrench-(ə-)lē How to pronounce preferential (audio)
adverb

Legal Definition

preferential

adjective
pref·​e·​ren·​tial ˌpre-fə-ˈren-chəl How to pronounce preferential (audio)
1
: of or constituting a preference
a preferential transfer
2
: giving preference to union members especially in hiring
a preferential shop
3
: showing preference
these creditors may obtain preferential treatment
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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