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

While conversing with fans on X, he was asked for a good story following the Super Bowl LIV win, preferably about coach Andy Reid. —Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 14 Apr. 2026

If the roadside is your only option, pull off as far as possible, preferably past the end of a guard rail, and wait until the storm passes. —Southern California Weather Report, Daily News, 13 Apr. 2026

Seek a safe place to shelter, preferably indoors. —Bay Area Weather Report, Mercury News, 12 Apr. 2026

If the roadside is your only option, pull off as far as possible, preferably past the end of a guard rail, and wait until the storm passes. —Southern California Weather Report, Oc Register, 10 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1700, in the meaning defined above