as in rather
by choice or preference
I like football, but preferably watching from the stands rather than being down on the field
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Recent Examples of preferably
Some lawmakers want to prioritize defense, energy and immigration; others want to focus on taxes first; still others want everything, all at once, preferably while humiliating their opponents.
—
Bloomberg Opinion, Twin Cities, 16 Jan. 2025
Meanwhile, Mark is determined to solve the Gemma/Miss Casey question and rescue either or both of them (preferably both) from the labyrinth of Lumen's corridors and conference rooms.
—Tom Gliatto, People.com, 15 Jan. 2025
Further research, preferably using a larger sample size, is needed to investigate this and to obtain more statistically significant data.
—New Atlas, 13 Jan. 2025
That pitcher would preferably sign a contract without too many zeros and commas.
—Grant Brisbee, The Athletic, 8 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for preferably 
Bloomberg Opinion, Twin Cities, 16 Jan. 2025
Meanwhile, Mark is determined to solve the Gemma/Miss Casey question and rescue either or both of them (preferably both) from the labyrinth of Lumen's corridors and conference rooms.
—Tom Gliatto, People.com, 15 Jan. 2025
Further research, preferably using a larger sample size, is needed to investigate this and to obtain more statistically significant data.
—New Atlas, 13 Jan. 2025
That pitcher would preferably sign a contract without too many zeros and commas.
—Grant Brisbee, The Athletic, 8 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for preferably
Thesaurus Entries Near preferably
Cite this Entry
“Preferably.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/preferably. Accessed 1 Feb. 2025.
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