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
Michael MacCaskeyMound flour on a work surface (preferably wooden) and make a large well in center with your fingertips.—Lynne Rossetto Kasper
Lynne Rossetto KasperExamples 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 resort’s coastal location provides many perfect spots to see the sun sinking into the Pacific each evening (preferably with a cocktail or a glass of wine in hand).
—Patricia Doherty, Travel + Leisure, 2 Sep. 2025
Use any pair for this duo, placing them below and to the left of Venus, preferably when the sky is dark, before dawn strikes.
—Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2025
On the stovetop, in a 11- or 12-inch skillet (ovenproof and preferably cast-iron), melt the butter over medium heat.
—The Know, Denver Post, 29 Aug. 2025
Put the chicken thighs into a mixing bowl, add the other ingredients with a generous amount of salt and pepper and turn the chicken to coat well in the mixture, preferably using your hands.
—Carole Kotkin, Miami Herald, 29 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for preferably
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Patricia Doherty, Travel + Leisure, 2 Sep. 2025
Use any pair for this duo, placing them below and to the left of Venus, preferably when the sky is dark, before dawn strikes.
—Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2025
On the stovetop, in a 11- or 12-inch skillet (ovenproof and preferably cast-iron), melt the butter over medium heat.
—The Know, Denver Post, 29 Aug. 2025
Put the chicken thighs into a mixing bowl, add the other ingredients with a generous amount of salt and pepper and turn the chicken to coat well in the mixture, preferably using your hands.
—Carole Kotkin, Miami Herald, 29 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for preferably
Cite this Entry
“Preferably.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/preferably. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.
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