Synonyms for

Prefer

Verb / prʌˈfɜ: / / prɪˈfɜ: / / pri:ˈfɜ: / Another word for prefer — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

to like or choose one thing more than another

Synonyms & similar words

favor opt choose favour favor choose select elect pick favoritism partiality predilection preference leaning tendency inclination liking fondness affinity penchant proclivity bias

Synonyms by register

Formal

favor lean toward opt for choose

Informal

like better go for be into dig

Literary

cherish hold dear

Antonyms

dislike reject spurn renounce abhor despise loathe

Common collocations

  • prefer to
  • prefer over
  • prefer that
  • prefer doing
  • prefer to do
  • would prefer
  • strongly prefer

Word family

noun preference
verb prefer
adjective preferable

Usage note

When comparing two things, use 'prefer X to Y'. Avoid using 'prefer than'.

Example sentences

  1. I prefer to wear blue shirts.
  2. She prefers to drink water instead of soda.
  3. We prefer to go to the beach for vacation.
  4. The teacher prefers students who are respectful.
  5. He prefers to watch movies at home.

Quotes

  • I have no taste for either poverty or honest labor, so I prefer to abuse science.
  • I never travel without my diary. One should always have something sensational to read in the train. - Oscar Wilde
  • I'm a writer. I give the truth scope. - Tobias Wolff

Try these popular words

the and that for you with was this are have not from

Practice

Play the Word Synonyms game · Choose level (start near 1)

Worksheets

Grade 4 · Grade 5 · Grade 6

Topics

Guides

Explore more words