Synonyms of preferably

preferably

adverb

ˈpre-f(ə-)rə-blē 

as in rather

by choice or preference

I like football, but preferably watching from the stands rather than being down on the field

Synonyms & Similar Words

• rather
• willingly
• readily
• soon
• first
• either
• instead
• alternatively
• alternately
• optionally
• fain
• desirably
• voluntarily
• gladly
• electively
• wishfully
• obligingly

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• involuntarily
• reluctantly
• unwillingly
• forcibly
• willy-nilly

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of preferably

If the roadside is your only option, pull off as far as possible, preferably past the end of a guard rail, and wait until the storm passes. —Bay Area Weather Report, The Mercury News, 17 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

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