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

Part of what allows rats to colonize new terrain is their ability to feed on virtually anything. —Jason Bittel, Big Think, 31 Mar. 2026

The only commonalities the two shared were vaguely in shape, with the four-door GT getting up to 100 mph effortlessly, with virtually no exterior noise. —Erik Shilling, Robb Report, 31 Mar. 2026

Join nearly 30,000 participants in person or virtually to celebrate Tillman's values of service and leadership. —Tiffany Acosta, AZCentral.com, 31 Mar. 2026

Brunson’s father — an assistant coach for the Knicks — immediately FaceTimed his son to virtually apologize to Stewart on his behalf. —Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 31 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1600, in the meaning defined at sense 1b