preferably

adverb

pref·​er·​a·​bly ˈpre-f(ə-)rə-blē How to pronounce preferably (audio)
: 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

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 Disperse around your home: Using a couple layers of cheesecloth and (preferably dried) used coffee grounds, make coffee sachets to place in areas throughout the house that could use a delicate deodorizer. Darcy Lenz, Southern Living, 16 Oct. 2024 Her dream was always to work her way up to detective, preferably investigating murders. Libor Jany, Los Angeles Times, 14 Oct. 2024 Comfort: Dermaplaning should cause no pain and preferably no discomfort, either. Madison Yauger, People.com, 11 Oct. 2024 There is the Bic Mac, and there is the chicken sandwich — preferably a Spicy McChicken, though McNuggets with a combo of ketchup and Buffalo sauce will do in a pinch — and never the twain shall meet. Bill Goodykoontz, The Arizona Republic, 11 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for preferably 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'preferably.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1700, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of preferably was in 1700

Dictionary Entries Near preferably

Cite this Entry

“Preferably.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/preferably. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on preferably

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!