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
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
How to Serve It As Ever's 2024 Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc is best served well-chilled, ideally between 45°F and 50°F, to highlight its bright citrus notes and refreshing acidity.
—Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Oct. 2025
The distinction lies in how expectations are set and enforced ‒ ideally with fairness, consistency, and respect.
—Johnny C. Taylor Jr, USA Today, 14 Oct. 2025
Human design supporters claim that your body graph—and, ideally, an interpretational reading from an analyst certified by the Jovian Archive’s training program, International Human Design School—gives you the tools to be true to yourself and trust your intuition.
—Julia Ries Wexler, SELF, 14 Oct. 2025
When stopping by the roadside is your only option, position your vehicle as far off the road as possible, ideally beyond guardrails.
—Bay Area Weather Report, Mercury News, 13 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for ideally
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Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Oct. 2025
The distinction lies in how expectations are set and enforced ‒ ideally with fairness, consistency, and respect.
—Johnny C. Taylor Jr, USA Today, 14 Oct. 2025
Human design supporters claim that your body graph—and, ideally, an interpretational reading from an analyst certified by the Jovian Archive’s training program, International Human Design School—gives you the tools to be true to yourself and trust your intuition.
—Julia Ries Wexler, SELF, 14 Oct. 2025
When stopping by the roadside is your only option, position your vehicle as far off the road as possible, ideally beyond guardrails.
—Bay Area Weather Report, Mercury News, 13 Oct. 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 19 Oct. 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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