PREFERABLY Synonyms: 22 Similar and Opposite Words

preferably

adverb

ˈpre-f(ə-)rə-blē

Definition of preferably next

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

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of preferably 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 Late-night snacking on juicy, carby food—preferably while standing barefoot in the refrigerator light—is one of those universally blissful life moments. —

Julia Sullivan, Outside, 24 Feb. 2026 Plant the tree as soon as the soil is workable in a location with full, direct sun and well-draining soil, preferably on a slope to ensure proper drainage. —

Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 22 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for preferably

Recent Examples of Synonyms for preferably

Adverb

The back-and-forth between Archie and Katie is exhausting, and the politics of academia, including budget changes and the revolving door of faculty and staff, are rather dull.

— Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 5 Mar. 2026
This team has come a very long way in a rather short space of time.

— Carl Anka, New York Times, 5 Mar. 2026