academically

adverb

ac·​a·​dem·​i·​cal·​ly ˌa-kə-ˈde-mi-k(ə-)lē 

: in an academic way: such as

a

: with regard to formal studies or academics

doing well academically

academically advanced students

And it has made them more appealing to colleges, which have grown more welcoming as they find that homeschoolers do fine academically.

—Linda Perlstein

… fans and coaches at academically elite institutions would say that, yes, they were handicapped by stricter admissions policies, but in the long run, brains win out over brawn.

—Mark Bechtel

b

: in a theoretical or speculative way without practical application

That scheme for bottling beer is interesting—but only academically. Down here, we don't bottle it, but drink it.

—H. L. Mencken

c

: in a way that conforms to the tradition or rules of a school (as of literature or art)

The big problems arise with his paintings as artworks. His audacity with the brush is vitiated by academically fussy composition.

—Peter Schjeldahl

Examples of academically in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

School Board member Matthew Jay Lane made the motion to side with the union, saying teachers are a big part of why the Palm Beach County School District has received distinctions of being A-rated and academically high-performing by the state. —Scott Travis, Sun Sentinel, 6 May 2026

Kennedi was remembered in her obituary as a passionate athlete and softball player, a student who excelled academically and a dedicated member of her local church. —Christine Pelisek, PEOPLE, 30 Apr. 2026

The small university is academically prestigious with a very low acceptance rate. —Alanna Durkin Richer, Chicago Tribune, 27 Apr. 2026

The small university is academically prestigious with a very low acceptance rate. —ABC News, 26 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1626, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for academically

• biochemically
• epistemically
• photochemically
• chemically
• systemically