ideally
adverb
ide·al·ly
ī-ˈdē-ə-lē 
-ˈdē(-ə)l-lē
1
b
: for best results
Ideally, the counselor should vary his techniques for each applicant …—
T. M. Martinez
T. M. Martinez
c
: in accordance with an ideal or typical standard : classically
2
: in relation to an exemplar
3
: in idea or imagination : mentally
… was afraid of the gallows. She was terrified of them ideally. Having never set eyes on that last argument of men's justice …—Joseph Conrad
Joseph ConradExamples of ideally in a Sentence
His skills made him ideally suited for the job.
They were ideally suited to one another.
The ski slope was situated ideally.
Recent Examples on the Web
Think somewhere with extraordinary food and deep cultural texture, ideally with someone special.
—Kirah Tabourn, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Mar. 2026
The region’s temperature ranges between 80 and 95°F throughout the year, while data centers should ideally be maintained between 64 and 81°F, according to the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers.
—Angelica Ang, Fortune, 26 Mar. 2026
Paramount, which released the 1996 movie, had first right of refusal, but the UK company was able to get a deal over the line and is now eyeing a 2027 launch in London’s West End and ideally a run on Broadway after that.
—Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 26 Mar. 2026
So this may be the best path to gaining assets that allow this team to swing for another high-end player (ideally with more cost-certainty).
—Shayna Goldman, New York Times, 25 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for ideally
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Kirah Tabourn, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Mar. 2026
The region’s temperature ranges between 80 and 95°F throughout the year, while data centers should ideally be maintained between 64 and 81°F, according to the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers.
—Angelica Ang, Fortune, 26 Mar. 2026
Paramount, which released the 1996 movie, had first right of refusal, but the UK company was able to get a deal over the line and is now eyeing a 2027 launch in London’s West End and ideally a run on Broadway after that.
—Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 26 Mar. 2026
So this may be the best path to gaining assets that allow this team to swing for another high-end player (ideally with more cost-certainty).
—Shayna Goldman, New York Times, 25 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for ideally
Cite this Entry
“Ideally.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ideally. Accessed 3 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
ideally
adverb
ide·al·ly
ī-ˈdē-ə-lē
-ˈdē(-ə)l-lē
1
: in agreement with an ideal : perfectly
ideally suited to the job
2
: for best results
ideally, each student should arrive early
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