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
One page — ideally parsed to circumvent contention — is what mediators hope for.
—Jennifer Hansler, CNN Money, 7 May 2026
Local officials are hopeful the money can help prevent future upticks in land movement and, ideally, formalize a new pathway for additional federal funding to address the city’s ongoing hazards and worsening budget crisis.
—Grace Toohey, Los Angeles Times, 7 May 2026
As a vulnerable group, children should have their privacy respected most and ideally would have their parent’s or guardian’s permission before any photos or information were shared in a news story.
—Encyclopedia Britannica, 7 May 2026
This would ideally take the form of an independent federal government corporation.
—Imran Khalid, Twin Cities, 7 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for ideally
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Jennifer Hansler, CNN Money, 7 May 2026
Local officials are hopeful the money can help prevent future upticks in land movement and, ideally, formalize a new pathway for additional federal funding to address the city’s ongoing hazards and worsening budget crisis.
—Grace Toohey, Los Angeles Times, 7 May 2026
As a vulnerable group, children should have their privacy respected most and ideally would have their parent’s or guardian’s permission before any photos or information were shared in a news story.
—Encyclopedia Britannica, 7 May 2026
This would ideally take the form of an independent federal government corporation.
—Imran Khalid, Twin Cities, 7 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for ideally
Cite this Entry
“Ideally.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ideally. Accessed 13 May. 2026.
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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