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
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.
Because San Antonio was up five with 28 seconds to go, and the finals are technically a television show, the league was preparing for a Spurs ceremony. Zach Harper, New York Times, 18 June 2025 In payment modernization, the measure of success isn’t what’s technically possible. John Rubinetti, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025 The brand explores the relationship between form and function, creating garments that are both aesthetically and technically pleasant. Andrea Onate, Footwear News, 17 June 2025 With mining now technically feasible, the U.S. and other industrialized nations rushed to explore these vast, untapped mineral reserves. Time, 17 June 2025 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

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Cite this Entry

“Technically.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/technically. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.

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