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 Sources close to Taylor-Johnson downplayed the report and said he has not been cast as Bond, but technically anything is possible in the future. Zack Sharf, Variety, 20 Mar. 2024 Some of them would end up doing a lot of technically criminal activity. Hazlitt, 20 Mar. 2024 While the line is technically loungewear, each swoon-worthy piece can be dressed up for brunch, the office, or even a casual date night. Gabriela Izquierdo, Southern Living, 19 Mar. 2024 Early voting in the race -- which isn't, technically, a primary -- had been underway from Feb. 21 to Friday. Alexandra Hutzler, ABC News, 19 Mar. 2024 Yes, these are technically slippers, but the platform sole gives them the look of a stylish clog. Nykia Spradley, Glamour, 19 Mar. 2024 This is getting pretty dorky, but were you guys technically Crazy Horse or the Santa Monica Flyers at the Roxy? Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 19 Mar. 2024 Though Russell is not technically Hudson's father — her mother, Goldie Hawn, welcomed Hudson with her first husband, Bill Hudson — the actress has long been estranged from Bill, and has a tight relationship with Russell. Julia Moore, Peoplemag, 18 Mar. 2024 The ceremony ended on time — technically, a few minutes early. Anne Branigin, Washington Post, 11 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'technically.' 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

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 29 Mar. 2024.

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