ideally

adverb

ide·​al·​ly ī-ˈdē-ə-lē How to pronounce ideally (audio)
-ˈdē(-ə)l-lē
1
a
: conformably to or in respect to an ideal : perfectly
b
: for best results
ideally, the counselor should vary his techniques for each applicantT. M. Martinez
c
: in accordance with an ideal or typical standard : classically
2
: in relation to an exemplar
3
: in idea or imagination : mentally

Examples of ideally in a Sentence

His skills made him ideally suited for the job. They were ideally suited to one another. The ski slope was situated ideally.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Add regular movement breaks throughout your day, ideally 5 minutes every half hour, for two weeks. Sanaz Meshkinpour, NPR, 8 Jan. 2025 While ideally situated for easy access from the city in peacetime, the Ecopark turned out to be in exactly the wrong place amid armed conflict. Dennis Harvey, Variety, 8 Jan. 2025 To me, ideally two or three teammates, led by Tagovailoa and including defensive tackle Zach Sieler and perhaps also including edge rushers Bradley Chubb and Jaelan Phillips, will pull Hill aside and tell him to chill out for a while. Chris Perkins, Sun Sentinel, 8 Jan. 2025 Write down those steps — ideally by hand — and try to do at least one step each day. Christina Caron, New York Times, 30 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for ideally 

Word History

First Known Use

1598, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Time Traveler
The first known use of ideally was in 1598

Dictionary Entries Near ideally

Cite this Entry

“Ideally.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ideally. Accessed 18 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

ideally

adverb
ide·​al·​ly ī-ˈdē-ə-lē How to pronounce ideally (audio)
-ˈdē(-ə)l-lē
1
: in agreement with an ideal : perfectly
ideally suited to the job
2
: for best results
ideally, each student should arrive early

More from Merriam-Webster on ideally

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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