technically

adverb

tech·​ni·​cal·​ly ˈtek-ni-k(ə-)lē 

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

Shaun Powers clarified that State Farm agents are technically not State Farm employees and neither are those who work for State Farm agents. —J.c. Hallman, Oklahoman, 10 Feb. 2026

According to the Raffall platform, the giveaway is technically classified as a sweepstakes, not a raffle -- despite the name. —Katey Psencik, Austin American Statesman, 10 Feb. 2026

After his initial period of fame ends, Mammoth – technically a man in his nineties, but with a body of a man in his forties – returns to his job at school. —Max Goldbart, Deadline, 9 Feb. 2026

Consuming any liquid technically supports your daily fluid intake. —Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 9 Feb. 2026

Word History

Etymology

technical entry 1 + -ly entry 2

First Known Use

1675, in the meaning defined at sense 2