preferably
adverb
pref·er·a·bly
ˈpre-f(ə-)rə-blē 
: by choice or preference
—used to indicate what is wanted or preferred
The work should be done soon, preferably by the end of the week.
Applicants should hold a college degree, preferably with teaching experience.
Water thoroughly during the coolest time of day (preferably early morning), then allow soil to dry completely … before watering again.—
Michael MacCaskey
Michael MacCaskeyMound flour on a work surface (preferably wooden) and make a large well in center with your fingertips.—Lynne Rossetto Kasper
Lynne Rossetto KasperExamples of preferably in a Sentence
I like football, but preferably watching from the stands rather than being down on the field
Recent Examples on the Web
Wear sturdy shoes, preferably with non-slip soles, and bring a light jacket.
—Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 16 Dec. 2025
Similar to the Peanutters, the Hotdoggers will serve as brand ambassadors and must have strong communication skills and a bachelor’s degree, preferably in public relations, journalism, communications, advertising, or marketing.
—Julia Gomez, USA Today, 16 Dec. 2025
One or 2 tablespoons of olive oil (preferably EVOO) taken on an ongoing basis is typically enough to benefit heart health, as well as provide benefits beyond lowering blood pressure.
—Sohaib Imtiaz, Verywell Health, 15 Dec. 2025
Chill at least 4 hours, but preferably overnight.
—Justin Burke, Southern Living, 10 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for preferably
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Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 16 Dec. 2025
Similar to the Peanutters, the Hotdoggers will serve as brand ambassadors and must have strong communication skills and a bachelor’s degree, preferably in public relations, journalism, communications, advertising, or marketing.
—Julia Gomez, USA Today, 16 Dec. 2025
One or 2 tablespoons of olive oil (preferably EVOO) taken on an ongoing basis is typically enough to benefit heart health, as well as provide benefits beyond lowering blood pressure.
—Sohaib Imtiaz, Verywell Health, 15 Dec. 2025
Chill at least 4 hours, but preferably overnight.
—Justin Burke, Southern Living, 10 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for preferably
Cite this Entry
“Preferably.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/preferably. Accessed 19 Dec. 2025.
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