as in rather
by choice or preference
I like football, but preferably watching from the stands rather than being down on the field
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of preferably
To reap the most nutrients from your java, skip the sugar and milk and enjoy it black (preferably filtered) to sip your way to better health.
—
Laura Schober, Health, 23 Oct. 2025
Taller plants can be covered in breathable material, preferably some kind of fabric, Orick said.
—Karl Schneider, IndyStar, 23 Oct. 2025
Seek a safe place to shelter, preferably indoors.
—Bay Area Weather Report, Mercury News, 22 Oct. 2025
Wrap in plastic, and chill for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight.
—Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 21 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for preferably
Laura Schober, Health, 23 Oct. 2025
Taller plants can be covered in breathable material, preferably some kind of fabric, Orick said.
—Karl Schneider, IndyStar, 23 Oct. 2025
Seek a safe place to shelter, preferably indoors.
—Bay Area Weather Report, Mercury News, 22 Oct. 2025
Wrap in plastic, and chill for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight.
—Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 21 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for preferably
Recent Examples of Synonyms for preferably
Adverb
-
This character of aberrance is what makes accidental surfing deaths seem inevitable—or, rather, inexorable, built into the subway’s force.—
Doreen St. Félix,
New Yorker,
8 Nov. 2025
-
The lack of competition means the greatest fear many lawmakers have is not the prospect of losing to the other party in a general election but rather being snuffed out in a primary by a more ideological and extreme challenger.—
Mark Z. Barabak,
Mercury News,
8 Nov. 2025
Adverb
-
Each comes to understand that the rules that prevailed during calmer times no longer hold, that to cling to them is to willingly accept privation and defeat.—
Tope Folarin,
The Atlantic,
8 Nov. 2025
-
The Michigan victim thought her love interest was seriously injured in an explosion while working on an oil rig — and willingly rushed money to help.—
Susan Tompor,
Freep.com,
30 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Preferably.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/preferably. Accessed 14 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share