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

But Signal, operated by a nonprofit, is far less popular and uses a complex type of encryption designed to be unbreakable, even by a theoretical advanced quantum computer. —Kevin Collier, NBC news, 9 Mar. 2026

Cillian Murphy, 'Oppenheimer' (2024) Murphy gives a nervy, haunted portrayal as the title theoretical physicist, who's recruited by the American government to lead a team of scientists developing an atomic weapon during World War II. —Brian Truitt, USA Today, 9 Mar. 2026

The competitive pressure on New York is not theoretical. —Steven Fulop, New York Daily News, 8 Mar. 2026

But his experience with seeing three different relievers in a game all throwing 99 mph and bending, vanishing sliders is theoretical. —Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Mar. 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

• 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