preferring

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.

“We were surprised to find ourselves preferring Helga Monson. Remember her name. It will soon be a famous one,” Vérots wrote in French.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 29, 2026

But one important reason for preferring high tariff rates remains underappreciated: their role in the overall system of taxation.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 26, 2026

It is not uncommon to see higher defensive lines and man-to-man pressure, with teams preferring not to give high-level opposition the majority of the ball close to their goal for 90 minutes.

From BBC • Jun. 24, 2026

For years, the U.S. refrained from investigating sitting politicians in its fight against drug trafficking, preferring to target cartel leaders.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 3, 2026

She had laughed through her lessons, much preferring her cards.

From "The Night Circus" by Erin Morgenstern