physically
adverb
phys·i·cal·ly
ˈfi-zi-k(ə-)lē 
1
: in a physical manner : in accord with physical laws
It seemed that such long distance flights would be physically impossible without a highly energy-efficient form of soaring.—
Henri Weimerskirch
Henri Weimerskirch2
: in respect to the body
a physically demanding job
Just two weeks before his death, Belushi was physically ejected from an L.A. convenience store at 2 a.m. when he insisted on buying liquor after hours.—Peter Carlson
Peter CarlsonI loved it; but I was physically exhausted when I walked out of that studio on Sunday nights …—Brent Musberger
Brent MusbergerExamples of physically in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
During ultra-fast impacts, the metal’s atoms oscillate so vigorously that these physically obstruct the path of deformation, pushing back against the incoming force.
—Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 16 Feb. 2026
There is something athletic about Streep’s acting, not physically, but in her refusal to ever give less than her absolute all.
—Sally Jenkins, The Atlantic, 15 Feb. 2026
Stay calm, and never physically resist a law enforcement officer, the ACLU says.
—Kristen Taketa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Feb. 2026
The shutdown interrupted all communication between families and friends, leaving as many as 81 million people in the dark, and made music something that people had to carry physically.
—Eda Uysen, Rolling Stone, 15 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for physically
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.
Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 16 Feb. 2026
There is something athletic about Streep’s acting, not physically, but in her refusal to ever give less than her absolute all.
—Sally Jenkins, The Atlantic, 15 Feb. 2026
Stay calm, and never physically resist a law enforcement officer, the ACLU says.
—Kristen Taketa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Feb. 2026
The shutdown interrupted all communication between families and friends, leaving as many as 81 million people in the dark, and made music something that people had to carry physically.
—Eda Uysen, Rolling Stone, 15 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for physically
Cite this Entry
“Physically.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/physically. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
