virtually

adverb

vir·​tu·​al·​ly ˈvər-chə-wə-lē How to pronounce virtually (audio)
-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.

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
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.
As mentioned previously, with virtually all nonimmigrant visas, i.e. visitor, student and temporary work visas effectively off-limits because of the immigrant intent problem and the Safe Third Country Agreement preventing refugee claims, legal options are scarce. Andy J. Semotiuk, Forbes, 12 Mar. 2025 For a while, Camilla appeared to be carrying the monarchy virtually single-handedly. Jack Royston, Newsweek, 12 Mar. 2025 Rising cost of rents, especially on and around campuses, adds to the burden when there’s virtually no other way to get housing costs covered aside from student loans. Chicago Tribune, 11 Mar. 2025 The bill passed the House virtually along party lines, with all Republicans except Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) voting for it and all Democrats except Rep. Jared Golden (D-Maine) voting against it. Andrew Solender, Axios, 11 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for virtually

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1600, in the meaning defined at sense 1b

Time Traveler
The first known use of virtually was circa 1600

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Virtually.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/virtually. Accessed 25 Mar. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on virtually

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!