ideally

adverb

ide·​al·​ly ī-ˈdē-ə-lē 

-ˈdē(-ə)l-lē

1

a

: conformably to or in respect to an ideal : perfectly

He would have liked to live in a world of ideally united couples, himself ideally united …

—P. G. Wodehouse

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

… was afraid of the gallows. She was terrified of them ideally. Having never set eyes on that last argument of men's justice …

—Joseph Conrad

Synonyms of ideally

• 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

It’ll be spoken, typed, searched, hashtagged and, ideally, remembered. — HubSpot, 31 July 2026

Everton are looking to replace the former, and could ideally do with someone coming in before the opening game against Crystal Palace, given Garner is touch and go for the start of the season too. — Luke Bosher, New York Times, 31 July 2026

The key number for the offensive line is eight; that’s how many players Sammis would ideally like to use in his rotation. — Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 July 2026

The Marlins’ immediate needs would be a right-handed bat (ideally one who can play third base) and pitching. — Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 29 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1598, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Rhymes for ideally

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

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