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 Officials are practically guaranteed to hold rates at the current level of between 5.25 and 5.5 percent. Rachel Siegel, Washington Post, 19 Mar. 2024 The padded insoles and adjustable buckle straps allow the shoes to practically mold to your feet, while the inset circular heels offer the slightest bit of height in an elegant way. Lane Nieset, Travel + Leisure, 18 Mar. 2024 The designer and record producer Nigo has built a minimalist retreat where the Pacific Ocean itself is practically an architectural feature. Kurt Soller Anu Kumar, New York Times, 18 Mar. 2024 Consensus among all 29 parties—what is needed to open a review conference into the Antarctic Treaty—would be practically impossible. Elizabeth Buchanan, Foreign Affairs, 18 Mar. 2024 Not leading ladies Martin-Green and Morales, nor Ed Harris (who plays Merit’s Vietnam-surviving granddad, Clay), but practically everyone else who plays a soldier was once a soldier. Peter Debruge, Variety, 14 Mar. 2024 Royal’s instant version (microwaveable and bagged) cooks to perfection practically all on its own and stands apart from competitors for its clump-free texture. Grace McCarty, SELF, 13 Mar. 2024 Nationalization seems politically interesting but practically unlikely. Allison Morrow, CNN, 13 Mar. 2024 The commander cabin is shared with that of the airship, making the piloting experience practically seamless between the two craft. Tori Latham, Robb Report, 7 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'practically.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1571, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of practically was in 1571

Dictionary Entries Near practically

Cite this Entry

“Practically.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/practically. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

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
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