preferably
adverb
pref·er·a·bly
ˈpre-f(ə-)rə-blē 
: 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
Michael MacCaskeyMound flour on a work surface (preferably wooden) and make a large well in center with your fingertips.—Lynne Rossetto Kasper
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
For looking at the night sky, choose at least 10x42, preferably 10x50, which keeps the magnification low enough to easily navigate the night sky while allowing enough light in at night.
—Jamie Carter, Space.com, 20 Jan. 2025
This formula comes in a 2-ounce bottle and requires regular use of a few drops on the scalp once a day, preferably at night.
—Christina Shepherd McGuire, Southern Living, 20 Jan. 2025
Highlight your product or service with a customer-relatable story, preferably around a higher cause, such as saving the environment or helping the disadvantaged.
—Martin Zwilling, Forbes, 19 Jan. 2025
With better weapons around him — preferably a pass-catching tight end and dynamic running back — Nix will still be playing this time next postseason.
—Troy Renck, The Denver Post, 18 Jan. 2025
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Jamie Carter, Space.com, 20 Jan. 2025
This formula comes in a 2-ounce bottle and requires regular use of a few drops on the scalp once a day, preferably at night.
—Christina Shepherd McGuire, Southern Living, 20 Jan. 2025
Highlight your product or service with a customer-relatable story, preferably around a higher cause, such as saving the environment or helping the disadvantaged.
—Martin Zwilling, Forbes, 19 Jan. 2025
With better weapons around him — preferably a pass-catching tight end and dynamic running back — Nix will still be playing this time next postseason.
—Troy Renck, The Denver Post, 18 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for preferably
Dictionary Entries Near preferably
Cite this Entry
“Preferably.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/preferably. Accessed 2 Feb. 2025.
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