technically

adverb

tech·​ni·​cal·​ly ˈtek-ni-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce technically (audio)
1
: with regard to or in accordance with a strict or literal interpretation of something (such as a rule, a term, or an official description or designation)
What they're doing is technically illegal.
Technically, a tomato is a fruit.
Terry-Thomas's character gives a splendid display of gamesmanship in a tennis match that he wins unfairly without technically cheating.Tim Stanley
The business happens to be in Woodside, N.Y., in the borough of Queens, which technically isn't part of Long Island …Paul R. Martin
While she wasn't technically beautiful, she was striking.Sue Grafton
2
: with regard to technology
a more technically advanced vehicle
a technically feasible solution
Looking through the telescope via computer from, say, your office is now technically possible …Aubrey Wallace
3
: with regard to technique (as in a performance or movement)
a technically flawless gymnastic routine
musicians learning to play a technically difficult passage
… he is a resourceful, technically polished actor …Michael Goodwin
Hagen's awareness that his own method of hitting the ball could be improved had earlier helped him make his swing more technically sound …Herbert Warren Wind

Examples of technically in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
The more the messier There are so many units of government in Illinois that people can’t even agree on the total because of differences over what technically qualifies as a government body. Rick Pearson, Chicago Tribune, 27 Oct. 2024 When the proceeds from such divestment are put in say, a mutual fund, the taxes are technically deferred until the new assets are sold. Bygreg McKenna, Fortune, 25 Oct. 2024 While his home is technically only two floors, Igarashi fits an impressive seven staggered levels into the home with no walls, creating an open space where the seventh floor feels like the same room as the first. Megan Johnson, Architectural Digest, 25 Oct. 2024 At that time, Jackman was still technically married to Furness, 68, though the two were separated. Martha Ross, The Mercury News, 24 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for technically 

Word History

First Known Use

1675, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of technically was in 1675

Dictionary Entries Near technically

Cite this Entry

“Technically.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/technically. Accessed 8 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on technically

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!