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.
Their reporting serves as the backbone of the credit ecosystem — ideally ensuring accuracy, consistency, and transparency. Dr. David Maimon, Forbes.com, 2 June 2025 Separately, an academic researcher at a university in Switzerland told CNBC that they had been provided with guidance to ideally travel into the U.S. via Canada where possible, or to attend conferences virtually to avoid any visa complications. Jenni Reid, CNBC, 1 June 2025 Then put the glass in the fridge to let the foam set for at least a minute, ideally three or four. Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 31 May 2025 Finally, there are foods that don’t boast much resistant starch as is—but wind up developing a good amount of it through cooking and then cooling them completely (ideally for at least 24 hours in the fridge or freezer), due to the aforementioned process of retrogradation. Erica Sloan, SELF, 29 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

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Cite this Entry

“Ideally.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ideally. Accessed 6 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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