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
Moreover, additional funding for DOE’s Office for Civil Rights to advance equity has translated into uneven enforcement of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, giving preferential treatment to progressive causes and organizations such as the N.A.A.C.P.
—
Wenyuan Wu, Orange County Register, 18 Nov. 2024
In October 2019, former Detroit Inspector General Ellen Ha concluded that Make Your Date, a nonprofit that reduces infant mortality, which Duggan's wife, Dr. Sonia Hassan, runs, received preferential treatment before going through a competitive selection process.
—Dana Afana, Detroit Free Press, 13 Nov. 2024
The governor has said her daughter did not get preferential treatment.
___
Associated Press reporter Stephen Groves contributed to this report.
—Rebecca Santana, Twin Cities, 13 Nov. 2024
Janine reminds Ava that the district shows preferential treatment when divvying out resources, and currently, Abbott relies heavily on bribes from the golf-course lawyer for new materials for their students.
—Ile-Ife Okantah, Vulture, 13 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for preferential 
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Wenyuan Wu, Orange County Register, 18 Nov. 2024
In October 2019, former Detroit Inspector General Ellen Ha concluded that Make Your Date, a nonprofit that reduces infant mortality, which Duggan's wife, Dr. Sonia Hassan, runs, received preferential treatment before going through a competitive selection process.
—Dana Afana, Detroit Free Press, 13 Nov. 2024
The governor has said her daughter did not get preferential treatment.
___
Associated Press reporter Stephen Groves contributed to this report.
—Rebecca Santana, Twin Cities, 13 Nov. 2024
Janine reminds Ava that the district shows preferential treatment when divvying out resources, and currently, Abbott relies heavily on bribes from the golf-course lawyer for new materials for their students.
—Ile-Ife Okantah, Vulture, 13 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 1 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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