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.

They explained that while they would prefer no penalty was awarded on the field, the contact left the VAR with nowhere to go.

From BBC • Apr. 29, 2026

They tend to prefer reporters who don’t speak Chinese and can’t blend in.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 28, 2026

Still, there are many in Festus who prefer to maintain their city as a semirural bedroom community.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 26, 2026

Some investors prefer ETFs because of their lower costs, tax efficiency and ability to be traded throughout the day.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 24, 2026

“Perhaps the tulips prefer to come last,” Mrs. Penworthy replied.

From "The Long-Lost Home" by Maryrose Wood

Vocabulary lists containing prefer

The Secret Life of Bees

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

"Julius Caesar" by William Shakespeare, Act III

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

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!