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 of virtually

• practically
• almost
• nearly

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

Free agent signings begin virtually as soon as the draft concludes. —Kirk Kenney, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Mar. 2026

The most important factor to bring oil prices down now is to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, which has been virtually shut to tanker traffic. —Chris Isidore, CNN Money, 10 Mar. 2026

Black Pearl is welcoming people across the world aboard—virtually, that is. —Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 10 Mar. 2026

The war has disrupted a major oil shipping route off the coast of Iran, virtually shutting it down. —Kenneth R. Gosselin, Hartford Courant, 10 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1600, in the meaning defined at sense 1b