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Definition of preferable

preferable

/ˈprɛf.ɚ.ə.bəl/
pref · er · a · ble
Adverb:preferably
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preferable Lexical Profile

preferable Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

More desirable, suitable, or advantageous than another option; worthy of being chosen first.

Example

"A quiet evening at home seemed far preferable to attending the noisy, crowded reception."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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Word Nuance & Usage

When comparing two options, 'preferable' takes the preposition 'to' rather than 'than' (e.g., 'walking is preferable to driving'), and in strict formal usage it should not be modified by 'more' since the comparative sense is already built into the word.

• Nearby Words

prefectural
prefecture
prefer
preferable
preferably
preference
preferential

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the 17th century from French préférable, derived from the verb préférer ('to prefer'), which traces back to Latin praeferre, meaning 'to carry in front' or 'to hold in higher esteem'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Preferable. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/preferable
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