Meaning & use
topically
Last updated
Applied directly to a particular surface of the body, or relating to current or specific topics rather than in depth.
See it in a sentence
The doctor recommended applying the cream topically twice a day.
The panel discussed the crisis only topically, without examining its root causes.
A note on using this word
Its meaning splits between a medical sense (applied to the skin) and a broader sense (addressing surface-level topics), so context determines which is meant.
Words with a similar meaning
externallysuperficially
Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.
Words with an opposite meaning
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