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
The machine gave me a 74% in UV damage − not horrible, the Kiehl's representative said, but, ideally, someone around my age should be at 80% or higher.
—Charles Trepany, USA Today, 14 Apr. 2025
An initial plan for the rehabilitation center states that the on-site farmer's market will ideally be run by local producers.
—Adam Sabes, FOXNews.com, 14 Apr. 2025
Plant the orchid in a well-draining soil mix, ideally one designed specifically for orchids.
—Heather Bien, Southern Living, 10 Apr. 2025
Our system feels as heavy as that sounds and should ideally be moved by two people.
—PC Magazine, 12 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for ideally
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.
Charles Trepany, USA Today, 14 Apr. 2025
An initial plan for the rehabilitation center states that the on-site farmer's market will ideally be run by local producers.
—Adam Sabes, FOXNews.com, 14 Apr. 2025
Plant the orchid in a well-draining soil mix, ideally one designed specifically for orchids.
—Heather Bien, Southern Living, 10 Apr. 2025
Our system feels as heavy as that sounds and should ideally be moved by two people.
—PC Magazine, 12 Apr. 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 19 Apr. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share