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.

For those who prefer relaxation over recreation, there are multiple outdoor seating areas, almost all of which offer beautiful views over the water.

From MarketWatch • May 26, 2026

Obviously I prefer Roy Keane to give me some praise sometimes because I've achieved something that not many players have achieved.

From BBC • May 25, 2026

I prefer my “eggs” drier and firmer, so I’ll usually cook the tofu for an additional two to three minutes.

From Salon • May 24, 2026

I prefer to be skeptical about A.I. because people have already found so many destructive uses for it and I don’t trust Sam Altman or his competitors as far as I can throw them.

From Slate • May 24, 2026

Something slapped against the water, and I decided I might prefer sitting by Abby.

From "Hope Springs" by Jaime Berry

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!