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

Mound flour on a work surface (preferably wooden) and make a large well in center with your fingertips.

—Lynne Rossetto Kasper

Synonyms

• fain
• first
• rather
• readily
• soon
• willingly

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

Pour out leftover water, preferably into a nearby plant. —Kelly Dawson, Architectural Digest, 28 Mar. 2025

Chicago Blackhawks – Connor Bedard is a tremendous talent, but the Hawks need a sidekick of equal skill – preferably someone bigger than Bedard’s 5-foot-10 stature – to take some heat off him. —Steve Conroy, Boston Herald, 20 Mar. 2025

For kids 6 and older, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends behavior therapy and medication, preferably together. —Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 17 Mar. 2025

My sense is the Jackets would like to add a forward before Friday’s deadline and preferably a forward signed past this season — not a rental. —Pierre Lebrun, The Athletic, 6 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1700, in the meaning defined above