preferably
adverb
pref·er·a·bly
ˈpre-f(ə-)rə-blē 
: by choice or preference
—used to indicate what is wanted or preferred
The work should be done soon, preferably by the end of the week.
Applicants should hold a college degree, preferably with teaching experience.
Water thoroughly during the coolest time of day (preferably early morning), then allow soil to dry completely … before watering again.—
Michael MacCaskey
Michael MacCaskeyMound flour on a work surface (preferably wooden) and make a large well in center with your fingertips.—Lynne Rossetto Kasper
Lynne Rossetto Kasper
Examples of preferably in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
But the more traditional component that’s recommended is typically applesauce, preferably a variety that’s unsweetened.
—Stephen C. George, Discover Magazine, 18 Apr. 2024
Moss needs acidic soil to thrive, preferably with a pH between 5.0 and 5.5.
—Steve Bender, Southern Living, 17 Apr. 2024
Most of us want to see the major sites — preferably without giant tour groups and overpriced crêpe stands — and stumble upon authentic places that few others will get to experience.
—Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 17 Apr. 2024
Long-term — City Manager Kevin Phelps told The Arizona Republic last year — meant at least 10 years, but preferably 15.
—The Arizona Republic, 17 Apr. 2024
Another activity that has been shown to reduce stress is taking a walk, preferably out in nature.
—Andrea Kane, CNN, 7 Apr. 2024
After decades of grinding, most people aspire to one day be able to kick up their feet (preferably at a holiday home by the beach) and retire.
—Orianna Rosa Royle, Fortune Europe, 5 Apr. 2024
Cover the meat with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or preferably overnight.
—Lynda Balslev, The Mercury News, 25 Mar. 2024
Instead, Hunt advises parents to stick to term life, preferably 20 years or less.
—Becky Batcha and Hiranmayi Srinivasan, Parents, 29 Mar. 2024
Stephen C. George, Discover Magazine, 18 Apr. 2024
Moss needs acidic soil to thrive, preferably with a pH between 5.0 and 5.5.
—Steve Bender, Southern Living, 17 Apr. 2024
Most of us want to see the major sites — preferably without giant tour groups and overpriced crêpe stands — and stumble upon authentic places that few others will get to experience.
—Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 17 Apr. 2024
Long-term — City Manager Kevin Phelps told The Arizona Republic last year — meant at least 10 years, but preferably 15.
—The Arizona Republic, 17 Apr. 2024
Another activity that has been shown to reduce stress is taking a walk, preferably out in nature.
—Andrea Kane, CNN, 7 Apr. 2024
After decades of grinding, most people aspire to one day be able to kick up their feet (preferably at a holiday home by the beach) and retire.
—Orianna Rosa Royle, Fortune Europe, 5 Apr. 2024
Cover the meat with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or preferably overnight.
—Lynda Balslev, The Mercury News, 25 Mar. 2024
Instead, Hunt advises parents to stick to term life, preferably 20 years or less.
—Becky Batcha and Hiranmayi Srinivasan, Parents, 29 Mar. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'preferably.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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Cite this Entry
“Preferably.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/preferably. Accessed 26 Apr. 2024.
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