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topically

American  
[top-i-klee] / ˈtɒp ɪ kli /

adverb

  1. in a way that relates to a matter of local or current interest.

    This website is a treasure trove of culturally pertinent and topically applicable training curricula.

  2. in a way that reflects the subject of a discussion, piece of writing, etc.; by topic.

    Her papers include 25 binders of newspaper clippings from 1964 to 1975, organized topically.

    The conference is a series of topically organized panels, seminars, and roundtable discussions.

  3. on the surface; externally.

    The antifungal lotion is to be applied topically twice daily for 14 days.

    Most modern carpets have stain and soil treatments that have been topically applied to the fibers.


Etymology

Origin of topically

topical ( def. ) + -ly

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

It’s also sold topically as a foam or cream, though that is less popular for patients because it can be messy.

From MarketWatch Apr. 27, 2026

She was stunned to find that a lot of her symptoms - which included brain fog, low mood, joint pain and anxiety - became “vastly better” when she began using progesterone cream topically.

From BBC Nov. 13, 2024

I feel like our show is very topically reflective.

From Salon Aug. 11, 2024

“After all, the name Sackler has really nothing to do topically with biophysics,” Schwille writes in an email to Science.

From Science Magazine Jun. 6, 2024

Vol. i, part i, The County of Hartford treated topically, as early history, the colonial period, "Bench and Bar," "Medical History," etc.

From The Development of Religious Liberty in Connecticut by Greene, Maria Louise

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