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

• 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

Seek a safe place to shelter, preferably indoors. —Bay Area Weather Report, Mercury News, 10 Sep. 2025

That means chaotic mornings, trying to get everyone in your house dressed, fed, and out the door—preferably without any tantrums along the way. —Elisabeth Sherman, Parents, 5 Sep. 2025

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

Word History

First Known Use

1700, in the meaning defined above