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

Examples Sentences

Recent Examples of preferably

Those, along with a Dyson cordless vacuum and a pair of Spanx leather leggings, a brand that has made it on to Oprah’s Favorite Things list, are foolproof winners under the tree — preferably this artificial one from Walmart. —Alyssa Grabinski, People.com, 2 Dec. 2024

Applicants must reside within the district’s boundaries, preferably be a registered voter and have experience participating with community groups within the district. —Anne Gelhaus, The Mercury News, 1 Dec. 2024

Yet one of the best remedies for this is to promote more mixed-use development where lower-cost and higher-end rental units are part of the same landscape, preferably one served by public transit. —Baltimore Sun Editorial Board, Baltimore Sun, 29 Nov. 2024

Participants were urged to bring cash, preferably U.S. dollars or euros. —Christine McDaniel, Forbes, 2 Dec. 2024