ideally
adverb
ide·al·ly
ī-ˈdē-ə-lē 
-ˈdē(-ə)l-lē
1
b
: for best results
Ideally, the counselor should vary his techniques for each applicant …—
T. M. Martinez
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
… was afraid of the gallows. She was terrified of them ideally. Having never set eyes on that last argument of men's justice …—Joseph Conrad
Joseph ConradExamples 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
While many supplements are ineffective, Tanzi has backed omega-3 fatty acids, ideally from algae sources to avoid heavy metals found in fish oils.
—Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Dec. 2025
Advocates are lobbying the state to bring back funding as soon as possible, ideally ahead of next year’s budget cycle, with efforts spearheaded by the Michigan Association of Intermediate School Administrators (MAISA).
—Beki San Martin, Freep.com, 5 Dec. 2025
Key Takeaways Generally, the best approach for taking shilajit is to do so in the morning, ideally on an empty stomach.
—Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 4 Dec. 2025
Barcelona’s sporting direction would ideally look for a left-footed player in order to give Flick different profiles to choose from.
—Pol Ballús, New York Times, 3 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for ideally
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Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Dec. 2025
Advocates are lobbying the state to bring back funding as soon as possible, ideally ahead of next year’s budget cycle, with efforts spearheaded by the Michigan Association of Intermediate School Administrators (MAISA).
—Beki San Martin, Freep.com, 5 Dec. 2025
Key Takeaways Generally, the best approach for taking shilajit is to do so in the morning, ideally on an empty stomach.
—Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 4 Dec. 2025
Barcelona’s sporting direction would ideally look for a left-footed player in order to give Flick different profiles to choose from.
—Pol Ballús, New York Times, 3 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for ideally
Cite this Entry
“Ideally.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ideally. Accessed 15 Dec. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
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