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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of preferably

These hot weather, sun-loving vegetables need at least six hours of full sun daily, preferably more. —Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 Feb. 2025

By Emily Tannenbaum February 17, 2025 The SNL 50 Anniversary Special was the hottest ticket in town on February 16—preferably right next to Emma Stone and her custom Louis Vuitton dress filled with popcorn. —Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 17 Feb. 2025

If the roadside is your only option, pull off as far as possible, preferably past the end of a guard rail, and wait until the storm passes. —Bay Area Weather Report, The Mercury News, 16 Feb. 2025

At large, Frederick Anderson’s latest is a welcome invitation to dance, preferably in your weekly best. —Essence, 14 Feb. 2025