preferred
6 synonyms and 1 antonyms for preferred, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adjective — Liked or chosen above other options; favored.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use preferred
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Frequently asked questions
What does “preferred” mean?
The word “preferred” means liked or chosen above other options; favored. In plain terms, the favored choice — either in a general sense, or as a specific type of company stock with priority payouts.
How do you pronounce “preferred”?
“Preferred” is pronounced prih-FURD (/pɹɪˈfɝd/ in IPA).
How do you use “preferred” in a sentence?
Here is “preferred” used in a sentence: “Cash is still the preferred payment method at the market.”
What is the opposite of “preferred”?
The opposite of “preferred” — its antonyms — is antipreferred.
What part of speech is “preferred”?
Depending on how it is used, “preferred” can be an adjective and a noun.
Is “preferred” a common word?
“Preferred” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “preferred” have?
“Preferred” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: liked or chosen above other options; favored.
What is the difference between "preferred" and "favorite"?
"Preferred" means liked or chosen above other options and often implies a comparison or decision between alternatives, as in "my preferred method." "Favorite" means the single one you like best, with a warmer, more personal feel. A preferred option is the one you would pick, while a favorite is the one you love most.
What is the difference between "preferred" and "preferable"?
"Preferred" describes something that has actually been chosen or is favored, as in "the preferred candidate." "Preferable" means more desirable or better as a matter of judgment, as in "walking is preferable to driving." Preferred reports a choice; preferable states that one option is better.
What is the difference between "preferred stock" and "common stock"?
Preferred stock refers to shares that get priority for dividends over ordinary or common shares, usually at a fixed rate. Common stock typically carries voting rights but is paid after preferred shareholders. In short, preferred stock trades voting power for dividend priority.
Which preposition is used with "preferred" when comparing options?
When the verb "prefer" underlies the comparison, the usual pairing is "to," as in "coffee is preferred to tea." In everyday use, "preferred over" is also common when contrasting options, as in "the preferred choice over the alternatives." The related verb "prefer" takes "to," not "than."