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

Against this backdrop, savers may understandably be exploring ways to both protect their principal and, ideally, grow their interest right now. —Matt Richardson, CBS News, 6 Mar. 2026

Book early for hotels located near the parade route, such as The Graduate Hotel and 86 State Circle, both of which are ideally situated for exploring the city’s historic sites and attractions. —Katie Riley, Southern Living, 5 Mar. 2026

And ideally, something to separate their body from the ground, like a blue foam pad or Therm-a-Rest Z-lite. —Jayme Moye, Outside, 5 Mar. 2026

Guidelines recommend that people aim for 3,500 to 5,000 milligrams (mg) daily, ideally through food. —Angela Ryan Lee, Verywell Health, 4 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1598, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Rhymes for ideally

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

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