prefer

[pri-fur] / prɪˈfɜr /

VERB

favor; single out

Synonyms

STRONGEST

adopt choose go for pick promote put select suggest wish

STRONG

advance aggrandize cull desire elect elevate fancy finger incline mark place pose present proposition propound raise tag take tap upgrade

WEAK

be partial to be turned on to fix upon like better opt for optate propone put forward would rather would sooner

Antonyms

STRONGEST

dislike hate refuse reject

STRONG

decrease depress disgrace drop ignore lessen lose lower stop withhold

WEAK

spurn

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Some people prefer clipping coupons while they shop.

From Salon • May 22, 2026

Thomas said he had three hours to get to the hospital, as doctors prefer a donated heart not to be outside the body for more than six hours.

From BBC • May 21, 2026

Given the choice, I’d prefer to see a truly terrible movie over one that’s merely bland and mediocre.

From Los Angeles Times • May 19, 2026

Last week Vance even joked about the similarity himself, when asked about reports that Trump has been polling within the Republican party on whether they prefer Vance or Rubio.

From Barron's • May 19, 2026

“Well, sir, I wouldn’t mind the uniform. In fact, I’d prefer to wear one.”

From "The Red Car to Hollywood" by Jennie Liu

Vocabulary lists containing prefer

The Secret Life of Bees

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"Julius Caesar" by William Shakespeare, Act III

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The Circuit

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!