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
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
Indeed, the risk of diversion from Plaintiff's sales is more than theoretical—the government can prove that Plaintiff actually sold LSD to a minor as well as an undercover officer.
—
Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Apr. 2025
Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur, for example, can yet orchestrate a theoretical swing of close to £12million ($16m), a significant sum for those requiring summer rebuilds on finite resources.
—Philip Buckingham, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2025
Although the concept of black holes had existed for decades, Hubble's precise measurements offered compelling observational proof that moved black holes from theoretical predictions into reality.
—Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 24 Apr. 2025
Key Responsibilities: Evaluate quantum use cases for real-world business problems
Collaborate with physicists and engineers to test applications
Translate theoretical models into business implications
Top Skills: Quantum mechanics, computer science, mathematical modeling, and industry research.
—Caroline Castrillon, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for theoretical
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Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Apr. 2025
Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur, for example, can yet orchestrate a theoretical swing of close to £12million ($16m), a significant sum for those requiring summer rebuilds on finite resources.
—Philip Buckingham, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2025
Although the concept of black holes had existed for decades, Hubble's precise measurements offered compelling observational proof that moved black holes from theoretical predictions into reality.
—Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 24 Apr. 2025
Key Responsibilities: Evaluate quantum use cases for real-world business problems
Collaborate with physicists and engineers to test applications
Translate theoretical models into business implications
Top Skills: Quantum mechanics, computer science, mathematical modeling, and industry research.
—Caroline Castrillon, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for theoretical
Cite this Entry
“Theoretical.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/theoretical. Accessed 2 May. 2025.
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theoretical
adjective
the·o·ret·i·cal
ˌthē-ə-ˈret-i-kəl
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
adverb
-i-k(ə-)lē
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