preferably

adverb

pref·​er·​a·​bly ˈpre-f(ə-)rə-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

• fain
• first
• rather
• readily
• soon
• 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

The champagne – preferably Cristal or Veuve Clicquot – flowed, and the gourmet food was presented with flair and then some. —USA Today, 21 Apr. 2025

For the Magic to stretch this Eastern Conference first-round series beyond four games, or even hope to threaten the Celtics’ championship defense, someone on the roster — preferably, more than one person — must give Banchero and Wagner some scoring help. —Josh Robbins, New York Times, 21 Apr. 2025

Try them both—preferably side by side, with good food and even better company. Follow me on Twitter. —Emily Price, Forbes.com, 16 Apr. 2025

The Dodgers could use another big league-ready outfielder, preferably one with the power and potential of Everson Pereira. —David Faris, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1700, in the meaning defined above