theoretically

adverb

the·​o·​ret·​i·​cal·​ly ˌthē-ə-ˈre-ti-k(ə-)lē 

ˌthir-ˈe-ti-

1

: according to an ideal or assumed set of facts or principles : in theory

2

: in a theoretical way

Examples of theoretically in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Why would a copyright hold up when an AI could theoretically generate a functionally identical or even superior work without ever having copied the original? —Paulo Carvão, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2025

Many presentations touched on the wonders that such quantum computers can theoretically perform — calculations that are effectively impossible for any computer chip built from silicon transistors. —Quanta Magazine, 8 Aug. 2025

While newer black holes have plenty of material to devour, that theoretically wouldn’t be the case for one born within the universe’s first 500 million years. —Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 7 Aug. 2025

And that could be politically challenging, since Senate Democrats would theoretically be able to block such legislation through the filibuster. —Rachel Treisman, NPR, 6 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1626, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for theoretically

• parenthetically
• sympathetically
• electrophoretically
• hermetically
• magnetically
• pathetically