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

This will allow your eventual exodus to be understandable and, preferably, not even noticed. 2. —Dr. David Lenihan, Forbes, 2 Jan. 2025

Prune junipers during the growing season, not during the coldest part of winter, preferably in early spring, before new growth starts. —Luke Miller, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Jan. 2025

Traditionally, black-eyed peas and greens are eaten on New Year's Day — preferably as the first meal of the year. —Brandi D. Addison, The Arizona Republic, 31 Dec. 2024

Residents in the affected areas are advised to seek shelter immediately, preferably in a basement or interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building. —Amanda Castro, Newsweek, 27 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1700, in the meaning defined above