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

Feel free to use it as an ashtray or an olive bowl, though preferably not both at once. — Jim Dobson, Forbes.com, 25 July 2026

Gaudenzi spent most of his first year scrambling to endure a crisis that hemorrhaged funds from a sport that can’t function unless players can travel and compete, preferably in front of thousands of spectators. — Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 25 July 2026

Another open casting call is for men with athletic builds and olive to deep skin tones, preferably with full beards. — Brayden Garcia, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 July 2026

Complete your ensemble with a matching pair of loafers, preferably in barely-there mesh—easy-breezy, minimalist chic, just like that. — India Roby, Glamour, 20 July 2026