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 of theoretical

• 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

To make a theoretical Antetokounmpo trade work financially, the Celtics would need to include either one of Jayson Tatum or Jaylen Brown, or a package of multiple second-tier veterans, like Derrick White, Sam Hauser and Payton Pritchard. —Zack Cox, Hartford Courant, 11 May 2026

The power to close or control the flow of ships through the strait is greater and more immediate than the theoretical power of Iran’s nuclear program. —Robert Kagan, The Atlantic, 10 May 2026

These proposals rely heavily on theoretical risk models, selective interpretation of data and precautionary assumptions rather than demonstrated real-world patterns of harm sufficient to justify criminalization. —Teri Sforza, Oc Register, 8 May 2026

This entry introduces the concept of media dependency through one of the most influential theories, the media dependency system model, and its relation to other theoretical frameworks such as uses and gratifications theory and the power dependency model. —Encyclopedia Britannica, 8 May 2026

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

• aesthetical
• genetical
• heretical
• magnetical
• poetical
• prophetical
• alphabetical
• antithetical
• arithmetical
• catechetical
• exegetical
• homiletical

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