ideally
adverb
ide·al·ly
ī-ˈdē-ə-lē 
-ˈdē(-ə)l-lē
1
b
: for best results
Ideally, the counselor should vary his techniques for each applicant …—
T. M. Martinez
T. M. Martinez
c
: in accordance with an ideal or typical standard : classically
2
: in relation to an exemplar
3
: in idea or imagination : mentally
… was afraid of the gallows. She was terrified of them ideally. Having never set eyes on that last argument of men's justice …—Joseph Conrad
Joseph ConradExamples 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
Residents should take clear, dated photos and videos, ideally with wide shots and close-ups, and should report concerns in writing.
—Keegan A. Berry, The Orlando Sentinel, 3 Apr. 2026
Make sure there are at least two, ideally three or four, inches of mulch all around the tree, but not touching the trunk itself.
—Pedro Moura, Los Angeles Times, 1 Apr. 2026
Beds should be placed in warm, draught-free areas, ideally offering both a quiet resting spot and a place near family activity.
—Maria Azzurra Volpe, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Apr. 2026
For cornerbacks, Hafley ideally wants someone who can excel at all three levels of coverage – line of scrimmage, intermediate and deep.
—Miami Herald, 1 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for ideally
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Keegan A. Berry, The Orlando Sentinel, 3 Apr. 2026
Make sure there are at least two, ideally three or four, inches of mulch all around the tree, but not touching the trunk itself.
—Pedro Moura, Los Angeles Times, 1 Apr. 2026
Beds should be placed in warm, draught-free areas, ideally offering both a quiet resting spot and a place near family activity.
—Maria Azzurra Volpe, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Apr. 2026
For cornerbacks, Hafley ideally wants someone who can excel at all three levels of coverage – line of scrimmage, intermediate and deep.
—Miami Herald, 1 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for ideally
Cite this Entry
“Ideally.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ideally. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
ideally
adverb
ide·al·ly
ī-ˈdē-ə-lē
-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
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