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.

Many patients also prefer to stay in their homes.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 15, 2026

Beijing has also been reluctant to issue import licenses for the H200 chips because they would prefer to develop their own technologies and retain independence on homegrown products.

From MarketWatch • May 14, 2026

The price has remained the same and Ritter Sport has said that "consumers prefer the thinner bars".

From BBC • May 13, 2026

We recently suggested hedging in anticipation of a stock decline, but some investors will prefer to harness the wild-eyed enthusiasm of investor sentiment.

From Barron's • May 13, 2026

I’d prefer that things stay exactly the way they are.

From "Zara’s Rules for Record-Breaking Fun" by Hena Khan

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!