Search Dictionary
Definition of preferential

preferential

/ˌprɛf.əˈrɛn.ʃəl/
pref · er · en · tial
Adverb:preferentially
JUMP TO:

preferential Lexical Profile

preferential Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Of, relating to, or granting priority, advantage, or special favor to a particular person, group, or country.

Example

"The airline offers preferential boarding to passengers traveling with young children."

2

Relating to a voting system in which voters rank candidates in order of preference rather than selecting only one.

Example

"The city council adopted a preferential ballot to ensure the winning candidate secured broad support."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for preferential
Antonyms
View all antonyms for preferential

• Rhymes for preferential

• Nearby Words

preferable
preferably
preference
preferential
preferentially
preferred
prefight

Word Origin & Etymology

First recorded in the mid-19th century, formed from the noun 'preference' (from Old French 'preference' and Medieval Latin 'praeferentia') combined with the adjectival suffix '-ial'. It ultimately traces back to the Latin verb 'praeferre', meaning 'to carry in front' or 'to hold in higher esteem'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Preferential. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/preferential
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.