ideally
adverb
ide·al·ly
ī-ˈdē-ə-lē 
-ˈdē(-ə)l-lē
1
b
: for best results
Ideally, the counselor should vary his techniques for each applicant …—
T. M. Martinez
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
Joseph ConradExamples 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
In practice, family therapy involves having a neutral third party observe how everyone interacts in order to reduce misunderstandings, conflicts, and ideally, your stress.
—Jenna Ryu, SELF, 16 Dec. 2025
In these situations, pursuing debt consolidation or credit counseling may help lower the interest charges or monthly payments — or, ideally, both.
—Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 15 Dec. 2025
While many supplements are ineffective, Tanzi has backed omega-3 fatty acids, ideally from algae sources to avoid heavy metals found in fish oils.
—Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Dec. 2025
Philadelphians know that cheesesteak may be obligatory for visitors, but the roast pork sandwich – ideally with provolone, broccoli rabe and long hots – is the real reason to visit.
—Jonathan Deutsch, The Conversation, 5 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for ideally
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Jenna Ryu, SELF, 16 Dec. 2025
In these situations, pursuing debt consolidation or credit counseling may help lower the interest charges or monthly payments — or, ideally, both.
—Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 15 Dec. 2025
While many supplements are ineffective, Tanzi has backed omega-3 fatty acids, ideally from algae sources to avoid heavy metals found in fish oils.
—Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Dec. 2025
Philadelphians know that cheesesteak may be obligatory for visitors, but the roast pork sandwich – ideally with provolone, broccoli rabe and long hots – is the real reason to visit.
—Jonathan Deutsch, The Conversation, 5 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for ideally
Cite this Entry
“Ideally.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ideally. Accessed 21 Dec. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
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