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 KasperExamples 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
Two years ago, Aidan Butler, chief executive of 1/st Racing, which will operate the Preakness for two years before surrendering to Maryland regulatory agencies, pushed for a new schedule with three or preferably four weeks between races.
—John Cherwa, Los Angeles Times, 12 May 2025
Just enjoy the brownie, preferably with a glass of milk.
—Louryn Strampe, Wired News, 9 May 2025
To satisfy any of these cravings, Putin will have to reach a peace agreement, preferably supplemented by an economic deal, or series of deals, with Trump.
—Andrei Kolesnikov, Foreign Affairs, 9 May 2025
Add exactly 1 cup of sugar to a (preferably ceramic and passed-down-through-the-generations) pitcher.
—Rebecca Deurlein, Southern Living, 8 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for preferably
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John Cherwa, Los Angeles Times, 12 May 2025
Just enjoy the brownie, preferably with a glass of milk.
—Louryn Strampe, Wired News, 9 May 2025
To satisfy any of these cravings, Putin will have to reach a peace agreement, preferably supplemented by an economic deal, or series of deals, with Trump.
—Andrei Kolesnikov, Foreign Affairs, 9 May 2025
Add exactly 1 cup of sugar to a (preferably ceramic and passed-down-through-the-generations) pitcher.
—Rebecca Deurlein, Southern Living, 8 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for preferably
Cite this Entry
“Preferably.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/preferably. Accessed 19 May. 2025.
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