empirically
adverb
em·pir·i·cal·ly
im-ˈpir-i-k(ə-)lē 
em-
: in an empirical manner : with a basis in or reliance on information obtained through observation, experiment, or experience
a theory that has not yet been tested empirically
… using Tycho Brahe's most exhaustive astronomical observations in history, Kepler had empirically demonstrated that the planets orbit elliptically.—
Charles Krauthammer
Charles KrauthammerThe statistical models were flawed, the defense maintained, noting that none had been empirically tested.—Simon Cole
Simon ColeExamples of empirically in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
That may not prove empirically that Greaves is a bona fide NHL starter.
—Aaron Portzline, New York Times, 13 Apr. 2025
It was used to empirically monitor general activity.
—Andrew Williams, Forbes.com, 28 Mar. 2025
No one can say exactly where Trump is taking the country, but those who worry about the breakdown of essential public services, the spilling of national-security secrets, and national paralysis in the face of natural disasters are empirically grounded in their concerns.
—Richard A. Friedman, The Atlantic, 27 Feb. 2025
His claims to victimhood, Karp pointed out, were empirically untrue but extraordinarily effective.
—Gideon Lewis-Kraus, The New Yorker, 19 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for empirically
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.
Aaron Portzline, New York Times, 13 Apr. 2025
It was used to empirically monitor general activity.
—Andrew Williams, Forbes.com, 28 Mar. 2025
No one can say exactly where Trump is taking the country, but those who worry about the breakdown of essential public services, the spilling of national-security secrets, and national paralysis in the face of natural disasters are empirically grounded in their concerns.
—Richard A. Friedman, The Atlantic, 27 Feb. 2025
His claims to victimhood, Karp pointed out, were empirically untrue but extraordinarily effective.
—Gideon Lewis-Kraus, The New Yorker, 19 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for empirically
Cite this Entry
“Empirically.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/empirically. Accessed 29 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share