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

The multiverse trope—which presents the idea of branching, alternate versions of reality—was once relegated to theoretical physics, esoteric science fiction, and fringe pop culture. —Ian Bogost, The Atlantic, 26 Nov. 2025

Prag said many companies are changing their climate strategies as the effects from warming become less theoretical. —Climate Change, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Nov. 2025

Yale School of Music Yale’s Center for Studies in Music Technology in New Haven, Connecticut, houses a recording studio and computer lab with cutting-edge recording and composition software, giving students practical and theoretical knowledge in music technology. —Jeff Bond, HollywoodReporter, 25 Nov. 2025

The theoretical goal is to achieve extremely high supersonic speeds, requiring only a small onboard booster rocket to complete orbital insertion for payloads such as satellites or supplementary equipment (it is not designed for human passengers). —Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 24 Nov. 2025

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

• alphabetical
• antithetical
• arithmetical
• catechetical
• exegetical
• homiletical
• hypothetical
• parenthetical
• aesthetical
• genetical
• heretical
• magnetical

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