preferably

adverb

pref·​er·​a·​bly ˈpre-f(ə-)rə-blē 

also pri-ˈfər-ə-blē

: by choice or preference

—used to indicate what is wanted or preferred

The work should be done soon, preferably by the end of the week.

Applicants should hold a college degree, preferably with teaching experience.

Water thoroughly during the coolest time of day (preferably early morning), then allow soil to dry completely … before watering again.

—Michael MacCaskey

Mound flour on a work surface (preferably wooden) and make a large well in center with your fingertips.

—Lynne Rossetto Kasper

Synonyms of preferably

• rather
• willingly

Examples of preferably in a Sentence

I like football, but preferably watching from the stands rather than being down on the field

Recent Examples on the Web

Transfer to a wire rack; let cool at least 3 hours, or, preferably, chill 12 hours. — Shilpa Uskokovic, Bon Appetit Magazine, 1 Nov. 2026

The Best Place To Store Perfume To keep your perfume fresh, store it in a dark cabinet or drawer, preferably in a cooler room than the bathroom. — Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 1 Nov. 2026

Maybe this year’s rest season calls for a more active style of decompression, preferably not at home in your sweatpants? — Steph Koyfman, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Oct. 2026

And, preferably, be versatile enough that they can be carried throughout your trip. — Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 28 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1700, in the meaning defined above