The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 9 letter word PREFERRED
I've seen this crossword clue in The Guardian
P
R
E
F
E
R
R
E
D
More clues leading to the result PREFERRED
- Liked better umpire after last chap made a mistake
- Quietly consult socialist that’s more highly valued
- Favoured arbiter made a mistake under pressure
- Page handed over is liked better
- Favoured, before fellow slipped up
- Prince alluded to being held in high esteem
- Peter looked up to favourite
- Liked better purses? Oddly, female made a mistake
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Liked better" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case liked better = preferred.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does PREFERRED mean?
PREFERRED verb- To be in the habit of choosing something rather than something else; to favor; to like better.
- To advance, promote (someone or something).
- To present or submit (something) to an authority (now usually in "to prefer charges").
- To put forward for acceptance; to introduce, recommend (to).
- Preferred stock.
- Favoured