practically

adverb

prac·​ti·​cal·​ly ˈprak-ti-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce practically (audio)
1
: in a practical manner
look practically at the problem
2
: almost, nearly
practically everyone

Examples of practically in a Sentence

The room's ceiling was so low that we practically had to crawl. I talk to him practically everyday. The project is practically complete. Football is practically a religion in some places. Practically speaking, Alaska is too far to go for just a few days.
Recent Examples on the Web Plus, the recession that seemed practically guaranteed one year ago has largely faded from economists’ forecasts. Rachel Siegel, Washington Post, 14 Nov. 2023 Here's one that also answers questions like, why do these systems seem to be finding their way into practically every application imaginable? Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 14 Nov. 2023 By this point, the customers are practically stampeding back to their seats, and they’re riveted as Darby begins to read from the book. Alan Sepinwall, Rolling Stone, 14 Nov. 2023 Thus, these companies have practically no effect on prices. Robert Rapier, Forbes, 13 Nov. 2023 The Catalina Deluxe is the perfect mid-size carry-on with an especially helpful separate shoe compartment, and there’s no better time to snag one than now — while Lo & Sons is practically giving it away for 45 percent off at their early Black Friday sale. Jackie Cucco, Travel + Leisure, 13 Nov. 2023 The Lakers don’t look right either, and their search for answers has practically forced them to place their trust in a 24-year-old has-been — or never-was, depending on the perspective. Dylan Hernández, Los Angeles Times, 13 Nov. 2023 The action-adventure game starring both Miles Morales and Peter Parker uses a fast-travel system that is near instantaneous, with practically no load times. Antonio G. Di Benedetto, The Verge, 8 Nov. 2023 Bands of gold or silver had practically no contamination. Scott Lafee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Nov. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'practically.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1571, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of practically was in 1571

Dictionary Entries Near practically

Cite this Entry

“Practically.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/practically. Accessed 28 Nov. 2023.

Kids Definition

practically

adverb
prac·​ti·​cal·​ly ˈprak-ti-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce practically (audio)
1
: in a practical manner
talked practically about the problem
2
: almost, nearly
practically everyone went to the game

More from Merriam-Webster on practically

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!