preferential
adjective
pref·er·en·tial
ˌpre-fə-ˈren(t)-shəl 
1
: showing preference
2
: employing or creating a preference in trade relations
3
: designed to permit expression of preference among candidates
a preferential primary
4
: giving preference especially in hiring to union members
a preferential shop
Examples of preferential in a Sentence
powerful people who demand preferential treatment from politicians
Recent Examples on the Web
Because the Producers Guild of America uses the same system as the Academy to determine its nominees for Darryl F. Zanuck Award for Outstanding Producer of Theatrical Motion Pictures — a preferential ballot with 10 slots— it is seen overall as the most accurate precursor for Best Picture.
—
Marcus Jones, IndieWire, 16 Jan. 2025
But in larger countries, like the Philippines, the U.S. eventually chose indirect control by negotiating deals to advance preferential treatment for American businesses and its military interests.
—Damien Cave, New York Times, 8 Jan. 2025
Tobler emphasized work from home requests are not attempts by some workers to get preferential treatment.
—William Melhado, Sacramento Bee, 6 Jan. 2025
Tax breaks are popular: more than half of US states—including Arizona, New York, and Texas—offer operators some form of tax break, and even preferential rates for buying land and committing to access to power.
—Azeem Azhar, WIRED, 16 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for preferential 
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Marcus Jones, IndieWire, 16 Jan. 2025
But in larger countries, like the Philippines, the U.S. eventually chose indirect control by negotiating deals to advance preferential treatment for American businesses and its military interests.
—Damien Cave, New York Times, 8 Jan. 2025
Tobler emphasized work from home requests are not attempts by some workers to get preferential treatment.
—William Melhado, Sacramento Bee, 6 Jan. 2025
Tax breaks are popular: more than half of US states—including Arizona, New York, and Texas—offer operators some form of tax break, and even preferential rates for buying land and committing to access to power.
—Azeem Azhar, WIRED, 16 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for preferential
Dictionary Entries Near preferential
Cite this Entry
“Preferential.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/preferential. Accessed 22 Jan. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
preferential
adjective
pref·er·en·tial
ˌpref-ə-ˈren-chəl
1
: of or relating to preference
2
: showing preference
preferential treatment
3
: creating or using preference in trading
4
: permitting the showing of order of preference (as of candidates in an election)
a preferential ballot
Legal Definition
preferential
adjective
pref·e·ren·tial
ˌpre-fə-ˈren-chəl
1
: of or constituting a preference
a preferential transfer
2
: giving preference to union members especially in hiring
a preferential shop
3
: showing preference
these creditors may obtain preferential treatment
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