theoretical

adjective

the·​o·​ret·​i·​cal ˌthē-ə-ˈre-ti-kəl How to pronounce theoretical (audio)
ˌthir-ˈe-ti-kəl
variants or less commonly theoretic
ˌthē-ə-ˈre-tik How to pronounce theoretical (audio)
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

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 The parallels between nuclear fission and superintelligence were taken to be obvious: world-altering potential, existential risk, theoretical research thrust into the geopolitical spotlight. Andrew Marantz, The New Yorker, 11 Mar. 2024 And, as Griffiths wrote of the closed unit: There was never any discussion of the exciting developments in theoretical Physics, classified or otherwise, let alone any suggestion of passing any information to the Russians. TIME, 8 Mar. 2024 For seven seasons the prequel series Young Sheldon followed the childhood origin story of theoretical physicist Sheldon Cooper, played by Iain Armitage. Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 6 Mar. 2024 This 1 to 2 years of experience is crucial for applying theoretical knowledge in practical settings. Bryce Welker, Miami Herald, 5 Mar. 2024 The 38-minute recording captured Germany’s air force chief and three other officers deliberating the theoretical supply of long-range Taurus missiles to Kyiv. Kate Brady, Washington Post, 3 Mar. 2024 Kim did his doctoral work under the guidance of IEEE Life Fellow Richard Stern, who probably is best known for his theoretical work in how the human brain compares sound coming from each ear to judge where the sound is coming from. IEEE Spectrum, 3 Mar. 2024 Today’s climate-disclosure rule deviates from this tradition by compelling largely theoretical information on climate risks from an outside stakeholder's perspective. Stone Washington, National Review, 1 Mar. 2024 In business, practical experience usually outshines theoretical knowledge by a wide margin. Abdo Riani, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024

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.

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1601, in the meaning defined at sense 2a

Time Traveler
The first known use of theoretical was in 1601

Dictionary Entries Near theoretical

Cite this Entry

“Theoretical.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/theoretical. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

theoretical

adjective
the·​o·​ret·​i·​cal ˌthē-ə-ˈret-i-kəl How to pronounce theoretical (audio)
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
-i-k(ə-)lē
adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on theoretical

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