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 of theoretical

• hypothetical
• speculative
• conjectural

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

Meanwhile, nearly half of organizations have already reported experiencing at least one significant negative consequence from AI use, underscoring that the costs of ungoverned deployment are no longer theoretical. —Shiv Kaushik, Forbes.com, 18 May 2026

More importantly, the researchers also found that the L1 to moon segment is extremely close to its theoretical minimum fuel cost. —Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 17 May 2026

Early explorations of the theme included self-portraits EXPORT made in male drag, as well as forays in poetry and theoretical feminist texts. —News Desk, Artforum, 15 May 2026

This is somewhat theoretical at this point. —Michael Smolens, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing theoretical

• anti-theoretical
• in theoretical terms

Rhymes for theoretical

• aesthetical
• genetical
• heretical
• magnetical
• poetical
• prophetical
• alphabetical
• antithetical
• arithmetical
• catechetical
• exegetical
• homiletical

Kids Definition

theoretical

adjective

the·​o·​ret·​i·​cal ˌthē-ə-ˈret-i-kəl 

ˌthi(-ə)r-ˈet-

variants also theoretic

-ik 

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