PREFERS Synonyms: 78 Similar and Opposite Words

prefers

verb

present tense third-person singular of prefer

as in likes

to show partiality toward I generally prefer chocolate ice cream over vanilla

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in chooses

to decide to accept (someone or something) from a group of possibilities most buyers of that vehicle have preferred the model with four-wheel drive

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 prefers The second-generation iPhone SE is a practical option for anyone who prefers smaller phones and Apple’s physical Home button. — Stackcommerce Team, PC Magazine, 27 Aug. 2026 Andoni Iraola’s side are still hoping to do a deal with Paris Saint-Germain for Bradley Barcola, who prefers to play on the left flank, having discussed a move all summer. — Jon MacKenzie, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026 In reality, Loesby contends, many struggles reflect predictable structural mismatches — a lawyer who prefers depth and analysis struggling in a role that rewards constant responsiveness, or one who thrives on collaboration disengaging in isolation. — Malana Vantyler, USA Today, 26 Aug. 2026 Rather, the country legend and entrepreneur prefers to channel most of her emotions and beliefs through her songwriting. — Devon Ivie, Vulture, 25 Aug. 2026 Scientists still aren’t sure why the lichen prefers these specific rocks, but early evidence suggests the phenomenon isn’t localized. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 24 Aug. 2026 For instance, if your child prefers to read a book while on the potty, talk to their other child care providers about sending in a favorite book. — Lauren Gelman, Parents, 24 Aug. 2026 Perhaps that is why Mike Gordon, Fenway Sports Group’s president, prefers to stay anonymous. — Hank Tucker, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2026 Even a contrarian likely prefers risking less than 2% between now and September expiration. — Michael Khouw, CNBC, 21 Aug. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for prefers

Verb

Henderson also likes the Garden's coming schedule of bookings, which remains robust.

— Michael Bloom, CNBC, 29 Aug. 2026
Furthermore, is there any reliable way for working out whether someone likes us or is trying to take advantage of us, or trying to manipulate us?

— Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of likes

Verb

Once a name is retired, the committee chooses a replacement, using relatively short, easy-to-pronounce names, and not after individuals.

— Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA Today, 26 Aug. 2026
If a user chooses to store a ChatGPT conversation in the cloud, however, relevant Messages content follows the same retention policies as other content in that conversation.

— Tatiana Sataua, Fortune, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of chooses

Verb

At the same time, the collaboration enjoys enormous gains on two other lists.

— Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026
Opponents say the current setup is just right and that Iceland already enjoys all the benefits of European integration without the sovereignty compromises that inevitably will come from being a full member.

— ABC News, ABC News, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of enjoys

Verb

When there are multiple logical possibilities for what the next word should be, the model typically selects one of those words by chance, based on their relative frequencies in the data.

— Harmeet Kaur, CNN Money, 20 Aug. 2026
Each envelope contains a message meant to encourage, validate or uplift the person who selects it.

— Sophia Buonpane, Kansas City Star, 13 Aug. 2026

Definition of selects

Verb

The pattern of warmer than normal water along the equator in the Eastern Pacific heats things up and favors increases in the number of tropical storms and hurricanes in the Pacific.

— Doyle Rice, USA Today, 31 Aug. 2026
The partial lunar eclipse favors observers across North and South America.

— Daisy Dobrijevic, Space.com, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of favors

Verb

Check back Thursday for complete College Football Playoff and national championship picks from The Athletic’s college football staff.

— Austin Mock, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026
Especially with Watson, CB’s pal, getting traded to the Cavs as part of a five-team swap that landed the Nuggets draft picks in ’31 and ’32.

— Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of picks

Verb

The acquisition’s financing depends on savings that the protections everyone wants would prohibit.

— Joseph M. Singer, HollywoodReporter, 25 Aug. 2026
Garden Homes wants to build at 30 Parade Hill Road, a small property a little less than a mile north of the town’s commercial center and a bit more than a mile south of the New Canaan Country Club.

— Don Stacom, Hartford Courant, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of wants

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preferring

prefers

prefigure

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“Prefers.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prefers. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of prefers

verb

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