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
This week, the Federal Reserve’s preferred inflation metric, the Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) price index, along with the final US first-quarter GDP reading, will also be released. — CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026 Buckingham knew speediness was Dolly’s preferred gear and started recording during the first scratch vocal. — Martha Ackmann, Vulture, 27 Aug. 2026 Trump cannot force Canada to follow his preferred naming convention, however. — Michelle L. Price, Los Angeles Times, 27 Aug. 2026 Holly O’Neill, Bank of America’s president of consumer, retail, and preferred banking, previously shared plans to open 150 new branches by 2027. — Charlotte Observer, 27 Aug. 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 1 Sep. 2026.

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