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
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
Presley-Cowen, who is facilitating the effort, said the group ideally will identify and launch one or two projects to serve as a catalyst for future development.
—Doug Ross, Chicago Tribune, 1 Aug. 2025
These decisions are often guided by the team’s medical and performance staffs, with the player ideally at the center of the conversations.
—Melanie Anzidei, New York Times, 1 Aug. 2025
In recent years, Virginia Tech has been notifying students about their status in late February or early March, and ideally, the admission office would like to send applicants a decision by late January.
—Brennan Barnard, Forbes.com, 31 July 2025
In those end-of-our-rope moments, parents and kids need soothing stillness in our bodies and (ideally) minds, too.
—Elisabeth Sherman, Parents, 31 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for ideally
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Doug Ross, Chicago Tribune, 1 Aug. 2025
These decisions are often guided by the team’s medical and performance staffs, with the player ideally at the center of the conversations.
—Melanie Anzidei, New York Times, 1 Aug. 2025
In recent years, Virginia Tech has been notifying students about their status in late February or early March, and ideally, the admission office would like to send applicants a decision by late January.
—Brennan Barnard, Forbes.com, 31 July 2025
In those end-of-our-rope moments, parents and kids need soothing stillness in our bodies and (ideally) minds, too.
—Elisabeth Sherman, Parents, 31 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for ideally
Cite this Entry
“Ideally.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ideally. Accessed 4 Aug. 2025.
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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