ideally

adverb

ide·​al·​ly ī-ˈdē-ə-lē How to pronounce ideally (audio)
-ˈdē(-ə)l-lē
1
a
: conformably to or in respect to an ideal : perfectly
b
: for best results
ideally, the counselor should vary his techniques for each applicantT. M. Martinez
c
: in accordance with an ideal or typical standard : classically
2
: in relation to an exemplar
3
: in idea or imagination : mentally

Examples of ideally in a Sentence

His skills made him ideally suited for the job. They were ideally suited to one another. The ski slope was situated ideally.
Recent Examples on the Web The reverend last week launched an appeal for donations on GoFundMe to try to raise money that can be used to stabilize the area and, ideally, help with the long-term needs of the aging chapel. Grace Toohey, Los Angeles Times, 1 Mar. 2024 Getting him back, ideally in 2022 All-Pro form, would be a major lift to the secondary. Cam Inman, The Mercury News, 28 Feb. 2024 The only way to begin clawing his way back is to start making payments on time (and, ideally, in full), as well as only using about 10 to 30 percent of his available credit each month. The Enquirer, 27 Feb. 2024 To slow that process down, you should ideally get started on a treatment plan as early as possible. Tatiana Walk-Morris, SELF, 26 Feb. 2024 Downtown’s location, which the chef says is more amenable to large parties, will remain open — and there are plans to open more Holy Basil outposts in L.A., ideally one in Santa Monica as early as next year. Stephanie Breijo, Los Angeles Times, 23 Feb. 2024 Keeping flooring and wall colors the same enhances the cohesive look, and ideally, the wall color also blends with the cabinetry. Sharon Greenthal, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 Feb. 2024 Naloxone vending machines – which provide the medications for free – can help people access doses quickly and reduce someone’s risk of dying from an opioid overdose since, ideally, the medication should be given immediately. Jacqueline Howard, CNN, 22 Feb. 2024 Schedule mock exams at strategic points in your study plan, ideally one a week before the exam and another a day before. Bryce Welker, Miami Herald, 21 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'ideally.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1598, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Time Traveler
The first known use of ideally was in 1598

Dictionary Entries Near ideally

Cite this Entry

“Ideally.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ideally. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

ideally

adverb
ide·​al·​ly ī-ˈdē-ə-lē How to pronounce ideally (audio)
-ˈdē(-ə)l-lē
1
: in agreement with an ideal : perfectly
ideally suited to the job
2
: for best results
ideally, each student should arrive early

More from Merriam-Webster on ideally

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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