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

Hearing aid batteries should be stored out of sight and up high, preferably in a locked cabinet. —Nicole Villalpando, Austin American Statesman, 24 Mar. 2026

Having an attorney's contact on standby – preferably on an easily accessible piece of paper – could be useful if passengers feel their rights are being violated. —Hannah Hudnall, USA Today, 23 Mar. 2026

Costco's 'absolutely massive' 10-pound chocolate Easter bunny The chocolate bunny is so big, the packaging also includes instructions on how to approach actually eating it, preferably by smashing or slicing. —Reia Li, AZCentral.com, 22 Mar. 2026

And what works for this writer are powerful hits of nostalgia, preferably from childhood, preferably in relation to football, preferably, and more specifically, to the aesthetics of football. —Nick Miller, New York Times, 20 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1700, in the meaning defined above