preferably

adverb

pref·​er·​a·​bly ˈpre-f(ə-)rə-blē 

also pri-ˈfər-ə-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

Mound flour on a work surface (preferably wooden) and make a large well in center with your fingertips.

—Lynne Rossetto Kasper

Synonyms of preferably

• rather
• willingly

Examples 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

Feel free to use it as an ashtray or an olive bowl, though preferably not both at once. — Jim Dobson, Forbes.com, 25 July 2026

Gaudenzi spent most of his first year scrambling to endure a crisis that hemorrhaged funds from a sport that can’t function unless players can travel and compete, preferably in front of thousands of spectators. — Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 25 July 2026

Another open casting call is for men with athletic builds and olive to deep skin tones, preferably with full beards. — Brayden Garcia, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 July 2026

Store milk, eggs, yogurt, cheese, and leftovers on the main shelves, preferably toward the back where temperatures are more consistent. — Alesandra Dubin, Southern Living, 21 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1700, in the meaning defined above