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
By executing a teardown the Red Sox could also restock their farm system and ideally add a new wave of position player prospects who could help the big league lineup next year and beyond.
—Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 31 May 2026
Going two weeks without a wash is acceptable, but ideally no longer than that.
—Annie Blay-Tettey, Allure, 29 May 2026
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, 28 May 2026
He certainly cannot be ruled out as an immediate option, but the Marlins ideally would like to stretch him out past 90 pitches and give him a few more starts at Double A Pensacola before a potential promotion to the majors in June.
—Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 28 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for ideally
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Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 31 May 2026
Going two weeks without a wash is acceptable, but ideally no longer than that.
—Annie Blay-Tettey, Allure, 29 May 2026
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, 28 May 2026
He certainly cannot be ruled out as an immediate option, but the Marlins ideally would like to stretch him out past 90 pitches and give him a few more starts at Double A Pensacola before a potential promotion to the majors in June.
—Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 28 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 3 Jun. 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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