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Definition of theoretical
1 : existing only in theory : hypothetical gave as an example a theoretical situation
2a : relating to or having the character of theory : abstractb : 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
From the M-W Editors
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 of theoretical from the Web
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However, there was a theoretical best lap of 2:11 according to the Traqmate (compared with an actual best lap of 2:14.4).
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With the election of Donald Trump the theoretical ideas behind federalism have taken on new urgency.
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The acronym is also a nod to Paul Dirac, the English theoretical physicist who predicted the existence of antimatter.
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Then there’s the Palestinian demand for refugees, including millions of descendants, to have at least theoretical rights to return to Israel — a non-starter for most Israelis.
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There is some theoretical sense to the way the Bulls have changed shape, if not so much in the talent calculus of this deal.
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And this issue is not just theoretical — nearly a dozen private university LGBT students have alleged discrimination over the past five years, particularly at religious-affiliated institutions.
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But there’s reason to think Kushner’s search is about more than his current lawyer’s theoretical conflict of interest.
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The play’s atomic structure is founded on such theoretical insight.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'theoretical'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Origin and Etymology of theoretical
Late Latin theoreticus, from Greek theōrētikos, from theōrein to look at
THEORETICAL Defined for English Language Learners
theoretical
playDefinition of theoretical for English Language Learners
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: relating to what is possible or imagined rather than to what is known to be true or real
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: relating to the general principles or ideas of a subject rather than the practical uses of those ideas
Learn More about theoretical
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See words that rhyme with theoretical Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for theoretical Spanish Central: Translation of theoretical Nglish: Translation of theoretical for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of theoretical for Arabic speakers
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