basically

adverb

ba·​si·​cal·​ly ˈbā-si-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce basically (audio)
also -zi-
Synonyms of basicallynext
1
a
: at a basic level : in fundamental disposition or nature
basically correct
basically, they are simple people
b
: for the most part
they basically play zone defense
2
: in a basic manner : simply
live basically

Synonyms of basically

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Examples of basically in a Sentence

your answer is basically correct
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 the villains, Jamie Foxx and Dane DeHaan are trapped in Z-movie outfits and motivations — Foxx’s Max Diillon is a Spidey fan transformed by an eel attack, DeHaan’s Harry Osborn is basically a vampire. — Darren Franich, Entertainment Weekly, 1 Aug. 2026 Chicago, with no games, no teams hosted, basically fewer reasons to expect an outsized swell in interest,still saw bar searches nearly quadruple over that period. — Leo MacLehose, Sportico.com, 31 July 2026 That’s basically what the voice of the Orioles on MASN, friend of the column Kevin Brown, asked us. — Jayson Stark, New York Times, 31 July 2026 Baseball and trucker hats are basically a cool girl’s summer uniform. — Christina Perrier, InStyle, 30 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for basically

Word History

First Known Use

1863, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of basically was in 1863

Browse Nearby Words

basic airman
basically
basic amenities
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Basically.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/basically. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on basically

Nglish: Translation of basically for Spanish Speakers

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