as in rather
by choice or preference I like football, but preferably watching from the stands rather than being down on the field

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Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of preferably The goal is to simplify payments, preferably with a loan or credit card that has a lower interest rate. Bianca Rodríguez Rojas, Sacramento Bee, 5 Mar. 2025 Most everyone wanted to live the aquarium life, though preferably high enough off the ground to be out of range for ordinary pedestrians. Justin Davidson, Curbed, 5 Mar. 2025 Immigrant rights groups say people should bring someone, preferably an attorney, to ICE appointments. Sophia Tareen, Chicago Tribune, 14 Mar. 2025 Always store paint cans on shelves or other elevated surfaces, preferably on wooden pallets, to avoid direct contact with cold flooring. Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for preferably

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“Preferably.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/preferably. Accessed 1 Apr. 2025.

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