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

Two years ago, Aidan Butler, chief executive of 1/st Racing, which will operate the Preakness for two years before surrendering to Maryland regulatory agencies, pushed for a new schedule with three or preferably four weeks between races. —John Cherwa, Los Angeles Times, 12 May 2025

Just enjoy the brownie, preferably with a glass of milk. —Louryn Strampe, Wired News, 9 May 2025

To satisfy any of these cravings, Putin will have to reach a peace agreement, preferably supplemented by an economic deal, or series of deals, with Trump. —Andrei Kolesnikov, Foreign Affairs, 9 May 2025

Add exactly 1 cup of sugar to a (preferably ceramic and passed-down-through-the-generations) pitcher. —Rebecca Deurlein, Southern Living, 8 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1700, in the meaning defined above