as in rather
by choice or preference
I like football, but preferably watching from the stands rather than being down on the field
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of preferably
Put the chicken thighs into a mixing bowl, add the other ingredients with a generous amount of salt and pepper and turn the chicken to coat well in the mixture, preferably using your hands.
—
Carole Kotkin, Miami Herald, 29 Aug. 2025
On the stovetop, in a 11- or 12-inch skillet (ovenproof and preferably cast-iron), melt the butter over medium heat.
—The Know, Denver Post, 29 Aug. 2025
And put on some Bob Dylan (preferably his album Highway 61 Revisited) for the ultimate playlist.
—Chloe Arrojado, AFAR Media, 25 Aug. 2025
First—Recognition and Representation Not just headcounts, but real seats at real tables— preferably with the mic already on.
—Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for preferably
Carole Kotkin, Miami Herald, 29 Aug. 2025
On the stovetop, in a 11- or 12-inch skillet (ovenproof and preferably cast-iron), melt the butter over medium heat.
—The Know, Denver Post, 29 Aug. 2025
And put on some Bob Dylan (preferably his album Highway 61 Revisited) for the ultimate playlist.
—Chloe Arrojado, AFAR Media, 25 Aug. 2025
First—Recognition and Representation Not just headcounts, but real seats at real tables— preferably with the mic already on.
—Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for preferably
Recent Examples of Synonyms for preferably
Adverb
-
Just not my cup of tea, or rather only in small doses.—
Erik Kain,
Forbes.com,
13 Sep. 2025
-
But those defenses, more then Vrabel's new unit, were interested in gap control and keeping everything in front of them rather then penetration and creating negative plays.—
Andrew Callahan,
Boston Herald,
13 Sep. 2025
Adverb
-
By enjoying the exciting spectacle, their fans have willingly become mindless followers—idol worshippers who are too misguided, and naive, to see they’re being led toward their own destruction.—
Yvonne Kim,
The Atlantic,
12 Sep. 2025
-
Von Ferdinand’s attorneys have argued Jett willingly transferred her money and properties to Von Ferdinand.—
City News Service,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
10 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Preferably.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/preferably. Accessed 15 Sep. 2025.
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