In historical works about Greek mathematics the preferred term is 'figured number'.

In historical works about Greek mathematics the preferred term used to be figured number.

They are determined not to borrow money, even at the preferred terms arranged by the city.

It is in particular used about a preferred term from a thesaurus.

What was the preferred term for blind these days, anyway?

Except nobody admits that anything declines; the preferred term is "negative growth."

When both players are at 40, the preferred term is deuce.

Thus, courtesan is the preferred term as prostitutes do not provide these services.

Performative seems to be the preferred term now for performance art, to distinguish it from theater.

However, when referring to people, the preferred term is Scots.