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
Final Approach The consequences are no longer theoretical.
—
Emil Sayegh, Forbes.com, 6 July 2025
For the first time in decades, the question of succession is no longer theoretical.
—Pegah Banihashemi, Twin Cities, 2 July 2025
And the consequences are not theoretical in South Carolina or other states with hostile legislatures.
—Nick Mordowanec, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 June 2025
These networks are also important to theoretical models of consciousness, such as global neuronal workspace theory.
—Christian Wolf, Scientific American, 25 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for theoretical
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Emil Sayegh, Forbes.com, 6 July 2025
For the first time in decades, the question of succession is no longer theoretical.
—Pegah Banihashemi, Twin Cities, 2 July 2025
And the consequences are not theoretical in South Carolina or other states with hostile legislatures.
—Nick Mordowanec, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 June 2025
These networks are also important to theoretical models of consciousness, such as global neuronal workspace theory.
—Christian Wolf, Scientific American, 25 June 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 10 Jul. 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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