PREFERABLY Synonyms: 22 Similar and Opposite Words

preferably

adverb

ˈpre-f(ə-)rə-blē

Definition of preferably

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

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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 In the vlog, Combs noted that his main goal for the hunting trip was to shoot, preferably with a bow, and tag a mature elk. — Janelle Ash, FOXNews.com, 1 Oct. 2026 Then fold the quilt up for putting back in storage—preferably in a different configuration so the quilt doesn’t develop creases. — Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 25 Sep. 2026 Look for anything 6 amps and above minimum but preferably 10 and above. — Bestreviews, Mercury News, 22 Sep. 2026 Now at 65, Eaton wants a larger full-time home with more space, preferably in a New York City suburb. — Samantha Delouya, CNN Money, 21 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for preferably

Recent Examples of Synonyms for preferably

Adverb

After a rather lengthy political battle, Bethan Vaughan triumphs over an antisemitic and xenophobic candidate to become only the second PM during the run of The Diplomat.

— Peter White, Deadline, 15 Oct. 2026
El Niño is not a storm that hits at a particular location, but rather a long duration phenomenon that tilts the odds in favor of extreme weather and climate events for certain areas.

— Andrew Freedman, CNN Money, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of rather

Adverb

The film’s central question, as Coon sees it, is why someone might willingly abandon a conventional life for an alternative community.

— Katherine Brodsky, Variety, 7 Oct. 2026
For some activists, willingly accepting arrest becomes another visible demonstration of commitment.

— Chris Roemer, Baltimore Sun, 1 Oct. 2026

Definition of willingly

Browse Nearby Words

prefer

preferably

preference

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“Preferably.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/preferably. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of preferably

adverb

Example Sentences

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