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.

I would prefer to pay cash than take out a loan.

From MarketWatch • May 11, 2026

Innes believes companies will prefer to put their faith in low-cost projects rather than rushing "blindly" into massive expansion.

From Barron's • May 10, 2026

The north London MP has said she would prefer to see a Cabinet member put themselves forward to replace Sir Keir Starmer but that she would consider doing so herself if they did not act.

From BBC • May 10, 2026

MLS would prefer the team remain in Vancouver and commissioner Don Garber has spoken with Eby, Vancouver mayor Ken Sim and other government officials in the search for a solution.

From Los Angeles Times • May 8, 2026

“Thankfully, polar bears prefer to eat seals,” he went on.

From "Two Degrees" by Alan Gratz

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!