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

• 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

The maximum amount that the Dodgers can pay their players is largely theoretical because of the way MLB is set up. —Sean Gentille, New York Times, 8 Oct. 2025

Two theoretical physicists, Tony Leggett and Amir Caldeira, both then at the University of Cambridge in England, realized that looking for quantum tunneling in a superconducting circuit might be the ideal way to answer the question. —Dan Garisto, Scientific American, 7 Oct. 2025

Our own investments in AI over the last decade have transitioned from theoretical exploration to practical implementation, delivering tangible results for businesses. —Derya Matras, Fortune, 4 Oct. 2025

To overcome that, some investors are choosing to back companies that use AI to solve immediate and costly business problems for established large clients, rather than chase a theoretical potential. —Ganesh Rao,julianna Tatelbaum, CNBC, 3 Oct. 2025

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

• alphabetical
• antithetical
• arithmetical
• catechetical
• exegetical
• homiletical
• hypothetical
• parenthetical
• aesthetical
• genetical
• heretical
• magnetical

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