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 \

Definition of theoretical

1 : existing only in theory : hypothetical gave as an example a theoretical situation

2a : 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

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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

Physicists from the University of Twente in the Netherlands decided to analyze the underlying physics more thoroughly in a series of rigorous experiments and develop a theoretical model. — Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, "Physics holds the key to performing the flipping water bottle trick," 8 Oct. 2018 Although the process has been studied in theoretical models and computer simulations, this destruction of a star has rarely been recorded. — Dennis Overbye, New York Times, "Black Hole Drags Star to Dusty Death," 14 June 2018 In recent years, scientists have developed several theoretical models that attempt to describe epochs that preceded the Big Bang. — Dan Falk /, NBC News, "What is the Big Bang theory?," 9 June 2018 Under the theoretical models that the two companies have constructed, Burke explained, those cells would be mounted on light poles, or on the roofs or sides of buildings. — Mark Hachman, PCWorld, "Facebook's Terragraph hopes to replace fiber broadband beginning with 2019 trials," 21 May 2018 While scientists have always had theoretical models of the Sun's magnetic field, measuring it directly could be a game changer in terms of predicting solar activity, something the federal government is already trying to figure out. — Matt Blitz, Popular Mechanics, "An Illuminating Darkness: What Scientists Hope To Learn From This Month's Solar Eclipse," 2 Aug. 2017 Braking is more theoretical than actual; pressing the pedal just works bands in the transmission. — Casey Williams, chicagotribune.com, "Driving the Ford Model T through 110 years of American audacity," 3 July 2018 Of course, this grand scheme is just theoretical if the Delos Corporation can’t secure all that data, which remains locked in the control unit of Peter Abernathy. — Scott Meslow, GQ, "Westworld Season 2 Episode 7 Recap: The Coward Dr. Ford," 4 June 2018 While Roseanne's future is entirely theoretical, ABC must contend with an immediate, real-world loss. — Andrea Mandell, USA TODAY, "What happens to 'Roseanne'? Racist tweet likely Barrs revival elsewhere, even without her," 30 May 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'theoretical.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.