virtually

adverb

vir·​tu·​al·​ly ˈvər-chə-wə-lē 

-chə-lē;

ˈvərch-wə-lē

1

a

: almost entirely : nearly

The project is virtually complete.

Virtually every applicant was overqualified for the job.

b

: for all practical purposes

She was virtually unknown prior to starring in the film.

It is virtually impossible to know the truth of the matter.

2

: by means of a computer or computer network : in a virtual location

The meeting is being held virtually.

They did all their shopping virtually.

Synonyms

• about
• all but
• almost
• borderline
• fair [chiefly British]
• fairly
• feckly [chiefly Scottish]
• more or less
• most
• much
• near
• nearly
• next to
• nigh
• practically
• somewhere
• well-nigh

Example Sentences

We spent virtually all day shopping.

The stadium was virtually empty by the time the game ended.

I remember virtually everything he said.

That illness is virtually unknown in this area.

Recent Examples on the Web

While Clark appeared to receive virtually no backlash, Reese was subjected to countless tweets about her demeanor. —Kalhan Rosenblatt, NBC News, 4 Apr. 2023

Fortunately, there are some models that are virtually silent. —Jessica Hartshorn, goodhousekeeping.com, 4 Apr. 2023

Moreover, Italy is virtually the only country in which the statute of limitations clock is not stopped once judicial action commences. —Alexander Stille, The New Republic, 4 Apr. 2023

These non-inflatable fruit floats are filled with soft, virtually weightless polystyrene beans. —Theresa Holland, Travel + Leisure, 4 Apr. 2023

Spots for the film have appeared during virtually all major sporting events, including the Super Bowl and March Madness basketball games. —Pamela Mcclintock, The Hollywood Reporter, 4 Apr. 2023

At the time there were virtually no venues in the country committed solely to amplifying the art of Black American artists. —Tanisha C. Ford, Town & Country, 4 Apr. 2023

Auto tourists who want to explore the canyon’s south rim by car can travel in virtually any season—just be prepared for crowds in summer months and occasional snow closures at the height of winter. —Emily Pennington, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 Mar. 2023

DeSantis has not officially announced his intent to run for office, but has polled virtually on par with Trump. advertisement Newsletters Sign up for D.C. Diagnosis An insider's guide to the politics and policies of health care. —Sarah Owermohle, STAT, 28 Mar. 2023

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Word History

First Known Use

circa 1600, in the meaning defined at sense 1b