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.
Your best bet is to find a dark location away from the city, ideally somewhere rural but also elevated. Valerie Mesa, People.com, 20 May 2025 Contestants must engage, riff, and entertain, ideally without spiraling into trauma. Clayton Davis, Variety, 20 May 2025 Biggest offseason priorities: Contracts Winnipeg would ideally clone Samberg — perhaps making a right-handed version — but will have to settle for signing the 26-year-old defenceman as a restricted free agent. Murat Ates, New York Times, 20 May 2025 In an interview with Collider, The Last of Us showrunner Craig Mazin revealed that the show would ideally run for four seasons, with plenty more of the game's story still to be adapted onto the screen. Oliver Brandt, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 May 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Ideally.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ideally. Accessed 4 Jun. 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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