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
These medications provide the best results when started early, ideally within the first five years of the first symptom.
—Janelle McSwiggin, Health, 20 July 2025
In this fictional universe, both the demon slayers and baddie boyband dominate the charts (even leaving TWICE, who cameo on the soundtrack, in their dust) — so the music ideally had to stand alone as crowd-pleasing pop songs.
—Abby Webster, Billboard, 18 July 2025
Currently, Aurora replaces around three to four miles of lead service lines each year, but ideally that number should be closer to seven to eight miles per year, according to a presentation last month by Jason Bauer, the interim director of Public Works.
—R. Christian Smith, Chicago Tribune, 15 July 2025
How to Apply: Massage a few drops thoroughly onto a clean, dry scalp once daily, ideally at bedtime.
—Kiana Murden, Vogue, 15 July 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.
Janelle McSwiggin, Health, 20 July 2025
In this fictional universe, both the demon slayers and baddie boyband dominate the charts (even leaving TWICE, who cameo on the soundtrack, in their dust) — so the music ideally had to stand alone as crowd-pleasing pop songs.
—Abby Webster, Billboard, 18 July 2025
Currently, Aurora replaces around three to four miles of lead service lines each year, but ideally that number should be closer to seven to eight miles per year, according to a presentation last month by Jason Bauer, the interim director of Public Works.
—R. Christian Smith, Chicago Tribune, 15 July 2025
How to Apply: Massage a few drops thoroughly onto a clean, dry scalp once daily, ideally at bedtime.
—Kiana Murden, Vogue, 15 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 29 Jul. 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