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
Synonyms
Examples 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
If the water or steam is hot enough—ideally at least around 300 degrees Fahrenheit—it can be extracted from the ground and used to power generators for electricity.
—Katarina Zimmer, Smithsonian Magazine, 22 Apr. 2024
Classrooms should ideally have their own bathroom and access to the outside.
—Jenny Gold, Los Angeles Times, 18 Apr. 2024
In addition to tea (which ideally should be uncaffeinated), other fluids include drinks containing electrolytes (Pedialyte or low-sugar sports drinks), clear juices, soups and broths, and of course good, old-fashioned water.
—Stephen C. George, Discover Magazine, 18 Apr. 2024
Being honest about your doubts is the first step toward understanding each other’s perspectives and, ideally, finding solutions together, like making more of an effort to spend quality time together, for instance, or trying couples therapy.
—Jenna Ryu, SELF, 18 Apr. 2024
Look for a pumping bra that won't stain and, ideally, is safe to toss in the washing machine for a thorough cleaning.
—Katrina Cossey, Parents, 10 Apr. 2024
Making the honeyed strawberry topping is easy and ideally should be done at least 15 minutes and up to 30 minutes before serving.
—Julia Levy, Southern Living, 8 Apr. 2024
Repeat your skills and interests that match the job, ideally out loud in front of a mirror.
—Harriette Cole, The Mercury News, 8 Apr. 2024
Executives want signposts as big as billboards—ideally, a new drama will, in its first five minutes, present viewers with a dead body; a clear, trauma-dependent backstory for the protagonist; and fully articulated narrative and thematic stakes for every plot point to come.
—Jia Tolentino, The New Yorker, 8 Apr. 2024
Katarina Zimmer, Smithsonian Magazine, 22 Apr. 2024
Classrooms should ideally have their own bathroom and access to the outside.
—Jenny Gold, Los Angeles Times, 18 Apr. 2024
In addition to tea (which ideally should be uncaffeinated), other fluids include drinks containing electrolytes (Pedialyte or low-sugar sports drinks), clear juices, soups and broths, and of course good, old-fashioned water.
—Stephen C. George, Discover Magazine, 18 Apr. 2024
Being honest about your doubts is the first step toward understanding each other’s perspectives and, ideally, finding solutions together, like making more of an effort to spend quality time together, for instance, or trying couples therapy.
—Jenna Ryu, SELF, 18 Apr. 2024
Look for a pumping bra that won't stain and, ideally, is safe to toss in the washing machine for a thorough cleaning.
—Katrina Cossey, Parents, 10 Apr. 2024
Making the honeyed strawberry topping is easy and ideally should be done at least 15 minutes and up to 30 minutes before serving.
—Julia Levy, Southern Living, 8 Apr. 2024
Repeat your skills and interests that match the job, ideally out loud in front of a mirror.
—Harriette Cole, The Mercury News, 8 Apr. 2024
Executives want signposts as big as billboards—ideally, a new drama will, in its first five minutes, present viewers with a dead body; a clear, trauma-dependent backstory for the protagonist; and fully articulated narrative and thematic stakes for every plot point to come.
—Jia Tolentino, The New Yorker, 8 Apr. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'ideally.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near ideally
Cite this Entry
“Ideally.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ideally. Accessed 27 Apr. 2024.
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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