ideally

adverb

ide·​al·​ly ī-ˈdē-ə-lē 

-ˈdē(-ə)l-lē

1

a

: conformably to or in respect to an ideal : perfectly

b

: for best results

ideally, the counselor should vary his techniques for each applicant

—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

• perfectly
• immaculately

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

The formation of an intercontinental railroad would ideally cut down transit times, particularly by reducing interchange points, where carloads and containers are moved from one railroad to the other. —Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 3 Sep. 2025

Experience the Eiffel Tower Your kids will most certainly want to scamper up the nearly 1,100-foot-high Eiffel Tower (ideally without the crowds). —Elissa Garay, AFAR Media, 3 Sep. 2025

These capabilities must be audited and tested regularly—ideally, on a yearly basis or even more often—to ensure readiness in emergencies. —Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025

The model would ideally suggest an optimal portfolio mix. —Diana Olick, CNBC, 3 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1598, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Rhymes for ideally

• kiswahili
• freely
• keeley
• mealy
• seely
• steely
• vilely
• intraperitoneally
• lapilli
• swahili

Kids 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