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

The Panther Island project — technically a flood mitigation initiative reliant on federal funding — involves digging another channel for the Trinity River. —Fousia Abdullahi, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 Nov. 2025

All’s Fair is technically a drama on Hulu about divorce lawyers, but only in the sense that someone needed something to tie all of these visuals together. —Sophie Gilbert, The Atlantic, 8 Nov. 2025

Its candidates and political organizers said the sweep underscored how national politics, local frustrations and turnout fueled by the county’s transit-tax campaign combined to shape a school board election that was technically nonpartisan but unmistakably political. —Nora O'Neill, Charlotte Observer, 7 Nov. 2025

Out is as technically precise a rap album has been released in recent memory, and eschews obvious pop-baiting hits for pure raps. —Jeff Ihaza, Rolling Stone, 7 Nov. 2025

Word History

Etymology

technical entry 1 + -ly entry 2

First Known Use

1675, in the meaning defined at sense 2