Definition of preferablynext
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 The biggest key to success is to chum, preferably with live bait like pilchards, although chunks of dead bait work just fine. Steve Waters, Miami Herald, 10 Apr. 2026 Homeowners should start with bait and traps before moving on to pesticides — preferably ready-to-use ones that don’t require mixing chemicals, the agency said. Hali Smith april 8, Idaho Statesman, 8 Apr. 2026 Chill disks at least 2 hours (but preferably go at least 12 hours). Chris Morocco, Bon Appetit Magazine, 8 Apr. 2026 The six-step Ritual is a must-do, preferably every day of your stay, and incorporates the brand’s mud mask, silica mask, algae mask, and more. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for preferably
Recent Examples of Synonyms for preferably
Adverb
  • This is the season to embrace perfumes that don’t overwhelm but rather float on the skin, enhancing your natural allure with every warm breeze.
    Kiana Murden, Vogue, 16 Apr. 2026
  • In the piece, the Vicar of Christ is felled not by his oppressors but rather by a random cosmic event.
    Brian Boucher, ARTnews.com, 16 Apr. 2026
Adverb
  • After every resident is moved — willingly or forcibly — police and city staff will patrol the site to prevent people from returning.
    Grant Stringer, Mercury News, 16 Apr. 2026
  • The car was in the lot, and office manager Jessica Smith said Gregg signed the paperwork willingly.
    Liz Crawford, CBS News, 14 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Preferably.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/preferably. Accessed 23 Apr. 2026.

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