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
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
Instead, the staff report sounds primarily like a litany of concerns about theoretical (not actually shown) consumer harms.
—
Alden Abbott, Forbes, 27 Sep. 2024
The book tracks the origins and impulses behind communist ideals and outlines its theoretical birth by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels, and its subsequent political life — from triumph to disaster and back again.
—Michael Brendan Dougherty, National Review, 27 Sep. 2024
The only previous theoretical limit, from 2003, left open that possibility.
—Ben Brubaker, WIRED, 22 Sep. 2024
In the first decade of post-Soviet existence, with oil and gas prices falling to historic lows, that debate was largely theoretical.
—Sarah A. Topol, New York Times, 20 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for theoretical 
Alden Abbott, Forbes, 27 Sep. 2024
The book tracks the origins and impulses behind communist ideals and outlines its theoretical birth by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels, and its subsequent political life — from triumph to disaster and back again.
—Michael Brendan Dougherty, National Review, 27 Sep. 2024
The only previous theoretical limit, from 2003, left open that possibility.
—Ben Brubaker, WIRED, 22 Sep. 2024
In the first decade of post-Soviet existence, with oil and gas prices falling to historic lows, that debate was largely theoretical.
—Sarah A. Topol, New York Times, 20 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for theoretical
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'theoretical.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near theoretical
Cite this Entry
“Theoretical.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/theoretical. Accessed 1 Oct. 2024.
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theoretical
adjective
the·o·ret·i·cal
ˌthē-ə-ˈret-i-kəl
ˌthi(-ə)r-ˈet-
variants
also theoretic
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
adverb
-i-k(ə-)lē
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