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 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 For nervous fliers, a seat in the middle—preferably over the wings—offers the most stable experience. — Bianca Lambert, Southern Living, 14 Aug. 2026 Studies show that drinking more fluid—preferably water—can significantly reduce the risk of stone formation and recurrence. — Md Published, Verywell Health, 10 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for preferably

Recent Examples of Synonyms for preferably

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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“Preferably.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/preferably. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of preferably

adverb

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

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