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
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Recent Examples of preferably
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
Lawmakers warn that the demand is heavy and requests should be made at least a week and preferably months ahead of time.
—Bart Jansen, USA Today, 22 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for preferably
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
Lawmakers warn that the demand is heavy and requests should be made at least a week and preferably months ahead of time.
—Bart Jansen, USA Today, 22 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for preferably
Recent Examples of Synonyms for preferably
Adverb
-
Southerners have long been known to have the gift of gab, and that discerning quality has resulted in a rather enthusiastic take on small talk.—
Kaitlyn Yarborough,
Southern Living,
7 Sep. 2025
-
There is a duty of care not to use data for the sake of it, but rather to ensure that analysis stands up to proper scrutiny and scientific rigour where possible.—
Mark Carey,
New York Times,
6 Sep. 2025
Adverb
-
Some American companies, including Olaplex, have willingly removed the ingredient from their formulas.—
Keyaira Boone,
Essence,
5 Sep. 2025
-
Hopper had also purchased three videos from a website of men willingly having their genitals removed, the BBC reported.—
Samira Asma-Sadeque,
PEOPLE,
4 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Preferably.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/preferably. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.
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