preferably

adverb

ˈpre-f(ə-)rə-blē How to pronounce preferably (audio)
Definition of preferablynext
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

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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 BODi recommends taking the first formula once a day, preferably in the morning, and the second twice a day with breakfast and lunch. — Taylor Lane, Flow Space, 18 Aug. 2026 Top 5 Can’t Miss Book a room at The George Hotel, preferably one with views of the marina and Winyah Bay. — Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 18 Aug. 2026 Chill, covered, in the refrigerator at least 6 hours but preferably overnight. — Emily Paster, Midwest Living, 16 Aug. 2026 Take shelter immediately in the lowest level of a sturdy building, preferably in an interior room away from windows. — Karl Schneider, IndyStar, 14 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for preferably
Recent Examples of Synonyms for preferably
  1. rather
  2. willingly
Adverb
  • Protectionism is generally not the cause of trade conflicts, but rather a symptom of imbalances that have endured for too long.
    — MICHAEL PETTIS, Foreign Affairs, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Thus polytheistic worship of deities and monist philosophy are not opposed but rather different ways of reaching the divine.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of rather
Adverb
  • But the very act of putting on a wearable—of willingly adorning oneself with a tiny computerized narc—is an act of surrender.
    — Hillary Busis, Vanity Fair, 28 Aug. 2026
  • If Gluck has willingly conceded to the anti-erotic proclivities of his intended audience, Araki has, naturally, set out to defy them.
    — Alexandra Schwartz, New Yorker, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of willingly

Browse Nearby Words

prefer
preferably
preference
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Cite this Entry

“Preferably.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/preferably. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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