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 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

Pair with a trendy coat (preferably cropped) to balance the volume, and let the skirt take the spotlight. —Amanda Le, InStyle, 26 Feb. 2026

Once the rose has fully leafed out, apply a granular fertilizer, preferably a rose fertilizer, following the directions on the label. —Nadia Hassani, The Spruce, 26 Feb. 2026

Does the area receive at least six hours of direct sunlight every day, preferably in the afternoon rather than the morning? —Anthony Reardon, Kansas City Star, 25 Feb. 2026

As the weather warms up, consider investing in a few high-quality tees, preferably 100% cotton options that’ll wash and age best. —India Roby, Glamour, 24 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1700, in the meaning defined above