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
The basics of the role (maximising monetary policy conditions for low inflation and full employment) should ideally be agreed upon by the FOMC as broadly as possible, giving markets confidence in its policy stance.
—
Eleanor Pringle,
Fortune,
3 July 2026
Viewers should position themselves on a vantage point—ideally on a hill with a clear view of the northern sky, and away from other sources of light.
—
Zachary Folk,
Forbes.com,
2 July 2026
The Heat ideally would love to add that type of player at the minimum but possibly could offer more than that.
—
Anthony Chiang,
Miami Herald,
2 July 2026
Wash white sheets weekly, ideally using hot water for a deeper clean.
—
Quincy Bulin,
Southern Living,
1 July 2026
See All Example Sentences for ideally
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Eleanor Pringle,
Fortune,
3 July 2026
Viewers should position themselves on a vantage point—ideally on a hill with a clear view of the northern sky, and away from other sources of light.
—
Zachary Folk,
Forbes.com,
2 July 2026
The Heat ideally would love to add that type of player at the minimum but possibly could offer more than that.
—
Anthony Chiang,
Miami Herald,
2 July 2026
Wash white sheets weekly, ideally using hot water for a deeper clean.
—
Quincy Bulin,
Southern Living,
1 July 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 Jul. 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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