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
preferentially
ˌpre-fə-ˈren(t)-sh(ə-)lē
adverb 
Example Sentences
powerful people who demand preferential treatment from politicians
Recent Examples on the Web The last thing Cardinal Zen wants is a deal that gives him preferential treatment. 
William Mcgurn, WSJ, 19 Sep. 2022 The South Dakota Legislature's audit committee, controlled by Republicans, unanimously approved a report in May that found Noem's daughter got preferential treatment. Stephen Groves, ajc, 16 Sep. 2022 The South Dakota Legislature's audit committee, controlled by Republicans, unanimously approved a report in May that found Noem's daughter received preferential treatment. CBS News, 16 Sep. 2022 The South Dakota Legislature’s audit committee, controlled by Republicans, unanimously approved a report in May that found Noem’s daughter got preferential treatment. From Usa Today Network And Wire Reports, USA TODAY, 14 Sep. 2022 The South Dakota Legislature’s audit committee, controlled by Republicans, unanimously approved a report in May that found Noem’s daughter got preferential treatment. Stephen Groves, Anchorage Daily News, 9 Sep. 2022 In the campus newspaper article, an alumnus claimed Ting admitted to the preferential treatment to increase revenues. Alexis Timko, Los Angeles Times, 30 Aug. 2022 Some academics say that approach could have invited claims that the government was giving preferential treatment to borrowers based on race. Melissa Korn, WSJ, 27 Aug. 2022 Mayor Todd Gloria has prioritized such a program since taking over in 2020 for Mayor Kevin Faulconer, whose administration did not support what was characterized as preferential treatment in the cannabis industry. David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Aug. 2022 See More
William Mcgurn, WSJ, 19 Sep. 2022 The South Dakota Legislature's audit committee, controlled by Republicans, unanimously approved a report in May that found Noem's daughter got preferential treatment. Stephen Groves, ajc, 16 Sep. 2022 The South Dakota Legislature's audit committee, controlled by Republicans, unanimously approved a report in May that found Noem's daughter received preferential treatment. CBS News, 16 Sep. 2022 The South Dakota Legislature’s audit committee, controlled by Republicans, unanimously approved a report in May that found Noem’s daughter got preferential treatment. From Usa Today Network And Wire Reports, USA TODAY, 14 Sep. 2022 The South Dakota Legislature’s audit committee, controlled by Republicans, unanimously approved a report in May that found Noem’s daughter got preferential treatment. Stephen Groves, Anchorage Daily News, 9 Sep. 2022 In the campus newspaper article, an alumnus claimed Ting admitted to the preferential treatment to increase revenues. Alexis Timko, Los Angeles Times, 30 Aug. 2022 Some academics say that approach could have invited claims that the government was giving preferential treatment to borrowers based on race. Melissa Korn, WSJ, 27 Aug. 2022 Mayor Todd Gloria has prioritized such a program since taking over in 2020 for Mayor Kevin Faulconer, whose administration did not support what was characterized as preferential treatment in the cannabis industry. David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Aug. 2022 See More Word History
First Known Use
1849, in the meaning defined at sense 1
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