virtually

adverb

vir·​tu·​al·​ly ˈvər-chə-wə-lē How to pronounce virtually (audio)
-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.

Examples of virtually in a Sentence

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
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.
During the election campaign, Georgian Dream raised the idea of reintegrating these regions, which would be virtually impossible without close alignment with Russia. Anthony Borden, The Atlantic, 4 Feb. 2025 This breakthrough functionality enables teams to capture full contact information by scanning virtually anything: conference badges, paper business cards, social media QR codes, other digital business cards and more. Partner Content, Variety, 4 Feb. 2025 For example, the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation reported Monday that Progressive Conservative Leader Doug Ford will rip up Ontario's nearly $100 million contract with Starlink in the wake of US tariffs on virtually all Canadian goods. Eric Berger, Ars Technica, 3 Feb. 2025 Hartford has virtually more arts per capita than any capital city in the nation. Jay Sloves, Hartford Courant, 3 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for virtually 

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1600, in the meaning defined at sense 1b

Time Traveler
The first known use of virtually was circa 1600

Dictionary Entries Near virtually

Cite this Entry

“Virtually.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/virtually. Accessed 10 Feb. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on virtually

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!