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
Reduced competition, preferential treatment for pricing and formulary decisions with affiliated organizations, and market barriers to smaller independent pharmacies have frequently resulted in more limited access to medications for patients.
—
Rita Numerof, Forbes, 16 Dec. 2024
But some experts suspected Georgescu's online following was artificially inflated while Romania's top security body claimed he was given preferential treatment by TikTok over other candidates.
—Stephen McGrath The Associated Press, arkansasonline.com, 7 Dec. 2024
But some experts suspect Georgescu’s online following was artificially inflated while Romania’s top security body alleged he was given preferential treatment by TikTok over other candidates.
—Stephen McGrath, Los Angeles Times, 6 Dec. 2024
Over the past year, the company has phased out supplier diversity programs, which gave preferential financing to some groups, such as women and minorities, after the Supreme Court decision striking down affirmative action.
—Melissa Repko, CNBC, 26 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for preferential 
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Rita Numerof, Forbes, 16 Dec. 2024
But some experts suspected Georgescu's online following was artificially inflated while Romania's top security body claimed he was given preferential treatment by TikTok over other candidates.
—Stephen McGrath The Associated Press, arkansasonline.com, 7 Dec. 2024
But some experts suspect Georgescu’s online following was artificially inflated while Romania’s top security body alleged he was given preferential treatment by TikTok over other candidates.
—Stephen McGrath, Los Angeles Times, 6 Dec. 2024
Over the past year, the company has phased out supplier diversity programs, which gave preferential financing to some groups, such as women and minorities, after the Supreme Court decision striking down affirmative action.
—Melissa Repko, CNBC, 26 Nov. 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 Dec. 2024.
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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