practically

adverb

prac·​ti·​cal·​ly ˈprak-ti-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce practically (audio)
1
: in a practical manner
look practically at the problem
2
: almost, nearly
practically everyone

Examples of practically in a Sentence

The room's ceiling was so low that we practically had to crawl. I talk to him practically everyday. The project is practically complete. Football is practically a religion in some places. Practically speaking, Alaska is too far to go for just a few days.
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 path forward requires technology that is scientifically valid and practically useful, delivering solutions that provide meaningful insights without the complexity of traditional research-grade equipment. Thorsten Zander, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025 Hypersonic glide missiles could elude defense systems before striking their targets with practically no warning, while smaller, low-yield nukes threaten to blur the lines between conventional and nuclear warfare, making all-out war more likely. The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 14 July 2025 But don’t lose sight of the statement Schoen and Daboll are trying to make with an offense that is practically a mirror image of last year’s lackluster group: Jones, the quarterback, was the problem. Pat Leonard, Hartford Courant, 14 July 2025 Kathie Conwell, a 10-year Plaza resident, said that in recent years, the sound and sight of cars and motorcycles screeching or thundering through the Plaza had practically become a summer routine. Kansas City Star, 13 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for practically

Word History

First Known Use

1571, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of practically was in 1571

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Practically.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/practically. Accessed 24 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

practically

adverb
prac·​ti·​cal·​ly ˈprak-ti-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce practically (audio)
1
: in a practical manner
talked practically about the problem
2
: almost, nearly
practically everyone went to the game

More from Merriam-Webster on practically

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!