preferably

adverb

pref·er·a·bly ˈpre-f(ə-)rə-blē

Synonyms of preferably next

: 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

Mound flour on a work surface (preferably wooden) and make a large well in center with your fingertips.—

Lynne Rossetto Kasper

Examples of preferably in a Sentence

I like football, but preferably watching from the stands rather than being down on the field

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.

Build it in one of your Cities — preferably in one with high Production — and then complete the Operation Ivy Project to cement your supremacy with the threat of nuclear destruction. —

Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 6 Feb. 2025 Stovetop method: Fill a large (at least 6-qt.) stockpot with 12 cups of water (preferably filtered). —

Alexis Deboschnek, Bon Appétit, 5 Feb. 2025 President Donald Trump recently announced that the United States would work to land astronauts on Mars, preferably within the next four years — the extent of his presidential term. —

Keith Cooper, Space.com, 3 Feb. 2025 The meat must be heated to 160 degrees F (preferably before drying) to ensure safety. —

Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 31 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for preferably