preferential
adjective
pref·er·en·tial
| \ ˌpre-fə-ˈren(t)-shəl
\
\
Definition of preferential
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
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Other Words from preferential
preferentially
\ ˌpre-fə-ˈren(t)-sh(ə-)lē
\
adverb
\
adverb
Examples of preferential in a Sentence
powerful people who demand preferential treatment from politicians
Recent Examples on the Web
The bill proposes sanctions against Hong Kong and Chinese officials found to suppress democracy and human rights in the city, and could also affect Hong Kong’s preferential trade status with the U.S. — NBC News, "Hong Kong protesters sing Star Spangled Banner, appeal to Trump to 'liberate' city," 8 Sep. 2019 This law gives Hong Kong preferential treatment in matters of trade and economics compared with mainland China by treating Hong Kong as a separate jurisdiction. — Bill Campbell For Cnn Business Perspectives, CNN, "Ongoing unrest in Hong Kong risks dragging down the global economy," 6 Sep. 2019 Mayor Jackson told a several of TV reporters who confronted him at a Cleveland police promotions ceremony that his family members are not getting preferential treatment. — Adam Ferrise, cleveland.com, "County grand jury indicts Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson’s grandson in beating case city attorneys declined to prosecute," 4 Sep. 2019 Trump should make clear that the cost of military intervention will be capital flight, brain drain and the end of Hong Kong’s preferential trade status, as well as any hopes of a trade deal. — Marc A. Thiessen, The Mercury News, "Thiessen: Trump has the upper hand in Hong Kong, not China," 16 Aug. 2019 South Korea removed Japan from its list of trusted trading partners, escalating a trade dispute between the pair (Japan dropped South Korea’s preferential trading status earlier this month). — The Economist, "Business this week," 15 Aug. 2019 South Korea's announcement came weeks after Japan's Cabinet approved the removal from South Korea from a list of countries with preferential trade status. — Fox News, "South Korea to remove Japan from preferred trade list in sign of growing tension," 12 Aug. 2019 Several cities have sought ways to limit the influence of these investors, who often pair with social-equity applicants for their preferential status but do not reinvest in the community. — Scott Wilson, chicagotribune.com, "In California, Fresno’s West Side lost the war on drugs, but hopes a revival will be tied to marijuana," 24 July 2019 This month, India imposed tariffs on almonds and 27 other U.S. products, including apples and walnuts, in retaliation for the United States ending India’s preferential trade status. — David Lazarus, latimes.com, "California Inc.: Marvel looks ‘Far From Home’ for July 4 box office win," 1 July 2019These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'preferential.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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More Definitions for preferential
preferential
adjective
English Language Learners Definition of preferential
: giving an advantage to a particular person or group
See the full definition for preferential in the English Language Learners Dictionary
preferential
adjective
pref·e·ren·tial
| \ ˌpre-fə-ˈren-chəl
\
\
Legal Definition of preferential
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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