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.

There is no shortage of access to Brussels sprouts; people simply prefer to eat the wrong things.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 17, 2026

While Intel would prefer PC demand to be just as strong, the company may be able to take advantage of weakness in that category.

From Barron's • Apr. 16, 2026

Stamp said part of the reason for the species' decline is they prefer very tall elm trees, which flower.

From BBC • Apr. 16, 2026

Leaders prefer to handle discipline quietly, at the pace of their choosing.

From Slate • Apr. 16, 2026

The guitar player would prefer a key with no flats and not too many sharps.

From "Understanding Basic Music Theory" by Catherine Schmidt-Jones and Russel Jones

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!