ideally
adverb
ide·al·ly
ī-ˈdē-ə-lē 
-ˈdē(-ə)l-lē
1
b
: for best results
ideally, the counselor should vary his techniques for each applicant—
T. M. Martinez
T. M. Martinez
c
: in accordance with an ideal or typical standard : classically
2
: in relation to an exemplar
3
: in idea or imagination : mentally
Synonyms
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
Plants are better able to take up aluminum in acidic soil, ideally with a pH between 5.0 and 5.5.
—Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 14 Feb. 2025
Having food too close to bedtime can keep your body from releasing sleep-inducing melatonin, which is why Zee recommends stopping eating a few hours before bed (ideally, two or three).
—Ashley Abramson, Allure, 13 Feb. 2025
Aim for at least half, though ideally more, of your baby's naps to be in their bassinet or crib.
—Heather Gowen Walsh, Parents, 13 Feb. 2025
However, staff are confident that Milo’s snuggly, exuberant personality will shine through in a loving home, ideally with other dogs.
—Ilana Arougheti, Kansas City Star, 13 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for ideally 
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Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 14 Feb. 2025
Having food too close to bedtime can keep your body from releasing sleep-inducing melatonin, which is why Zee recommends stopping eating a few hours before bed (ideally, two or three).
—Ashley Abramson, Allure, 13 Feb. 2025
Aim for at least half, though ideally more, of your baby's naps to be in their bassinet or crib.
—Heather Gowen Walsh, Parents, 13 Feb. 2025
However, staff are confident that Milo’s snuggly, exuberant personality will shine through in a loving home, ideally with other dogs.
—Ilana Arougheti, Kansas City Star, 13 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for ideally
Dictionary Entries Near ideally
Cite this Entry
“Ideally.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ideally. Accessed 19 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
ideally
adverb
ide·al·ly
ī-ˈdē-ə-lē
-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
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