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
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.
Though marketed as Ferrari’s flagship, the 849 is technically not the top dog in the marque’s lineup. Basem Wasef, Robb Report, 26 Aug. 2026 Despite being technically undefeated — two wins and two unspectacular draws, as Alice and Beard are quick to point out — the players seem more enthused for what their respective groups have done rather than the team’s collective achievement. Keith Phipps, Vulture, 26 Aug. 2026 Brennan sees deeper integrations like these as a key part of making automation practical at the team level, not just technically possible. Wyles Daniel, USA Today, 26 Aug. 2026 That is technically true but completely beside the point, the public health equivalent of noting that the tide has only crept up a few inches while standing in a basement that is starting to flood. A.j. Russo, Baltimore Sun, 25 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for technically

Word History

First Known Use

1675, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of technically was in 1675

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Cite this Entry

“Technically.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/technically. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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