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
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
Some may say that’s a theoretical danger, but there are current real-world examples.
—
David A. Teich, Forbes, 10 Sep. 2024
Read More: Why Scientists Created See-through, Shrunken, Glow-in-the-dark Mice
The Physics Behind Transparent Skin Technology
This solution to a practical medical problem started with theoretical physics roots.
—Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 6 Sep. 2024
But even if not in Ohio, the prospect of NFL teams—some of which play in dome stadiums where natural grass is challenging to utilize—being ordered to use grass is no longer a theoretical matter.
—Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 5 Sep. 2024
This means that only the world’s wealthiest tech companies–or startups partnered with them–are battling it out to build artificial general intelligence, a theoretical advanced technology intended to surpass human cognitive abilities, which may one day put most people out of work.
—Billy Perrigo, TIME, 5 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for theoretical 
David A. Teich, Forbes, 10 Sep. 2024
Read More: Why Scientists Created See-through, Shrunken, Glow-in-the-dark Mice
The Physics Behind Transparent Skin Technology
This solution to a practical medical problem started with theoretical physics roots.
—Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 6 Sep. 2024
But even if not in Ohio, the prospect of NFL teams—some of which play in dome stadiums where natural grass is challenging to utilize—being ordered to use grass is no longer a theoretical matter.
—Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 5 Sep. 2024
This means that only the world’s wealthiest tech companies–or startups partnered with them–are battling it out to build artificial general intelligence, a theoretical advanced technology intended to surpass human cognitive abilities, which may one day put most people out of work.
—Billy Perrigo, TIME, 5 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for theoretical
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'theoretical.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near theoretical
Cite this Entry
“Theoretical.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/theoretical. Accessed 15 Sep. 2024.
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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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