theoretical

adjective

the·​o·​ret·​i·​cal ˌthē-ə-ˈre-ti-kəl 

ˌthir-ˈe-ti-kəl

variants or less commonly theoretic

ˌthē-ə-ˈre-tik 

ˌthir-ˈe-tik

1

: existing only in theory : hypothetical

gave as an example a theoretical situation

2

a

: relating to or having the character of theory : abstract

b

: confined to theory or speculation often in contrast to practical applications : speculative

theoretical physics

3

: given to or skilled in theorizing

a brilliant theoretical physicist

Synonyms

• academic
• academical
• conjectural
• hypothetical
• speculative
• suppositional

Examples of theoretical in a Sentence

On a theoretical level, hiring more people seems logical.

The idea is purely theoretical at this point.

The danger is more than just a theoretical possibility.

Recent Examples on the Web

This type of cosmic phenomenon is named after the famous theoretical physicist Albert Einstein, whose theory of general relativity proposed that objects with mass distort the fabric of spacetime—making such 'gravitational lensing' effects possible. —Justin Gest, Newsweek, 11 Feb. 2025

Elsie supplements her work as an adjunct professor in theoretical physics by offering up herself as a fake girlfriend. —Clare Mulroy, USA TODAY, 4 Feb. 2025

Her team’s recent study in Nature Communications reported microalgae growing and reproducing (opens a new tab) at light levels at or close to the theoretical minimum — far lower than had previously been observed in nature. —Quanta Magazine, 29 Jan. 2025

In theoretical head-to-head matchups, Fabrizio said, Blackburn would have a significant advantage over U.S. Rep. John Rose. —Marc Caputo, Axios, 23 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Late Latin theoreticus, from Greek theōrētikos, from theōrein to look at

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing theoretical

• anti-theoretical
• in theoretical terms

Kids Definition

theoretical

adjective

the·​o·​ret·​i·​cal ˌthē-ə-ˈret-i-kəl 

ˌthi(-ə)r-ˈet-

variants also theoretic

-ik 

1

a

: relating to or having the character of theory : abstract

b

: limited to theory or speculation : speculative

theoretical physics

2

: existing only in theory : hypothetical

a theoretical situation

theoretically

-i-k(ə-)lē

adverb