preferable
Americanadjective
Usage
Since preferable already means more desirable, one should not say something is more preferable or most preferable
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Etymology
Origin of preferable
From the French word préfsptérable, dating back to 1640–50. See prefer, -able
Explanation
When one thing seems like a better option than another, it is preferable. If you would rather have chocolate ice cream than vanilla, it means that chocolate is preferable to you. Graduating from high school is usually preferable to dropping out, and traveling a long distance by train is always preferable to getting there on roller skates. The hardest thing about preferable is pronunciation: remember to place the stress on the first syllable, pref, and not on the second syllable as in the word prefer.
Vocabulary lists containing preferable
Commonly Misspelled Words, List 3
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Florida's B.E.S.T. Common Suffixes: -able, -ible
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Novel Study: Anthem, Chapters 1–6
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The Ebola outbreak could swell into the next great pandemic, or it could be contained and fizzle out, which is certainly the preferable option.
From Salon • May 20, 2026
GGP, one of the largest mall owners in the U.S., views chaperone policies as regrettable but preferable to the disruptions caused by teen takeovers, a spokeswoman said.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 13, 2026
“Is he preferable to you as a competitor to me? Is he preferable to L.A.?”
From Los Angeles Times • May 12, 2026
Even the most strident voices that had been calling for interest-rate cuts now say a wait-and-see stance is preferable, given the ever-changing prospects for ending the conflict with Iran.
From Barron's • Apr. 17, 2026
There was nothing particularly likable about the baron, but she found him far preferable to his wife.
From "The Interrupted Tale" by Maryrose Wood
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
