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.

The Justices often prefer incremental rulings that move legal doctrines a little at a time.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 31, 2026

If federal habeas review is functioning properly, prisoners with innocence claims should prefer it over compassionate release; the latter reduces the sentence, but keeps the conviction intact.

From Slate • May 29, 2026

Danforth also noted that the bees prefer sandy soil, which the cemetery contains in large amounts.

From Science Daily • May 28, 2026

But would she prefer for bars and restaurants in the US to increase salaries so as to reduce the need for tips?

From BBC • May 27, 2026

Most of them prefer to say sorry for having offended someone rather than being sorry for the offense itself.

From "Not Nothing" by Gayle Forman

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!