ideally

adverb

ide·​al·​ly ī-ˈdē-ə-lē 

-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 applicant

—T. M. Martinez

c

: in accordance with an ideal or typical standard : classically

2

: in relation to an exemplar

3

: in idea or imagination : mentally

Synonyms

• faultlessly
• flawlessly
• immaculately
• impeccably
• pat
• perfectly

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

Newcastle have a full 25-man Premier League squad, but within that lie an underbelly of players who either ideally should have been moved on sooner, or are just not of the quality required. —Chris Waugh, The Athletic, 21 Jan. 2025

Uche would ideally be a strong reserve behind Clowney, while a rookie could complement Wonnum. —Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 21 Jan. 2025

An adaptation of Patti Smith’s Just Kids, ideally starring Kristen Stewart, also comes up. —Brian Hiatt, Rolling Stone, 20 Jan. 2025

Smart founders use full coffers to build deep moats, ideally around monopolies, so that eventual product-market-fit is matched with defensibility. —Ruth Foxe Blader, Forbes, 20 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1598, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Kids Definition

ideally

adverb

ide·​al·​ly ī-ˈdē-ə-lē 

-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