Synonyms of preferably

preferably

adverb

ˈpre-f(ə-)rə-blē 

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

• rather
• willingly
• readily
• soon
• first
• either
• instead
• alternatively
• alternately
• optionally
• fain
• desirably
• voluntarily
• gladly
• electively
• wishfully
• obligingly

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• involuntarily
• reluctantly
• unwillingly
• forcibly
• willy-nilly

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of preferably

The Philadelphia Eagles' front office ought to address the Jalen Hurts situation publicly, preferably at a press conference. — Bobby Burack Outkick, FOXNews.com, 19 Oct. 2026

Pneumonic plague is treated with powerful antibiotics, preferably within 24 hours of the first symptoms, the Cleveland Clinic said. — Don Sweeney, Sacbee.com, 6 Oct. 2026

The advice is nearly always the same — wait until after midnight, preferably until the hours before dawn, then give your eyes half an hour to adjust to the darkness. — Jamie Carter, Space.com, 2 Oct. 2026

Philadelphia is now entering a stretch of games that will demand competence (and preferably excellence) from the offense. — Andy Behrens, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2026