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.
The Wildcats are technically bowl-eligible, but are going for much more. — ABC News, 24 Oct. 2026 While many competitors technically offer three rows, their third-row seating seems designed primarily for emergency use. — New Atlas, 24 Oct. 2026 There are other schools guided by religion – Notre Dame and Villanova are about to enjoy an audience with the Pope after playing in men’s and women’s basketball in Rome next month – but none is technically governed by its church. — Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2026 The new Lou Malnati’s restaurant is technically separate from the Fox Haven Square project, but is under the same ownership and sits just next door. — Aurora Beacon-News, Chicago Tribune, 22 Oct. 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 27 Oct. 2026.

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