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
Hot off her third, and ultimate, overdose, she was laid up in a nursing home in theoretical recovery with her brand new ostomy bag.
—
Brie Schwartz, Glamour, 23 July 2024
Michael Dorf, a law professor at Cornell University, argued in a 2000 column for CNN that a theoretical ticket of Al Gore and Bill Clinton was constitutionally permitted.
—James Powel, USA TODAY, 21 July 2024
Nor did the automaker crack the core problem of totally autonomous driving, a theoretical breakthrough which Musk has spent an entire decade claiming is imminent.
—Miles Klee, Rolling Stone, 19 July 2024
After Bill Chen’s seminal book The Mathematics of Poker came out in 2006, top players increasingly started incorporating game theoretical concepts in their play.
—Nicole Narea, Vox, 15 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for theoretical 
Brie Schwartz, Glamour, 23 July 2024
Michael Dorf, a law professor at Cornell University, argued in a 2000 column for CNN that a theoretical ticket of Al Gore and Bill Clinton was constitutionally permitted.
—James Powel, USA TODAY, 21 July 2024
Nor did the automaker crack the core problem of totally autonomous driving, a theoretical breakthrough which Musk has spent an entire decade claiming is imminent.
—Miles Klee, Rolling Stone, 19 July 2024
After Bill Chen’s seminal book The Mathematics of Poker came out in 2006, top players increasingly started incorporating game theoretical concepts in their play.
—Nicole Narea, Vox, 15 July 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 29 Jul. 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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