theoretically

adverb

the·​o·​ret·​i·​cal·​ly ˌthē-ə-ˈre-ti-k(ə-)lē 

ˌthir-ˈe-ti-

1

: according to an ideal or assumed set of facts or principles : in theory

2

: in a theoretical way

Examples of theoretically in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

England’s Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham (six goals each) are not yet out of the running, while France’s Ousmane Dembele and Spain’s Mikel Oyarzabal (five each) could, theoretically at least, overtake the top two. — Dan Sheldon, New York Times, 17 July 2026

The show’s interests are theoretically in a nuclear family gradually coming back together, though even that theme is halfheartedly pursued. — Alison Herman, Variety, 16 July 2026

Although the Smithsonian does have an endowment that could theoretically keep it afloat, the withholding of funding could bring about closures. — Kelsey Ables, The Atlantic, 16 July 2026

Antifragile, on the other hand, is something that, theoretically, if it gets beaten, the quality increases. — Selena Fragassi, SPIN, 16 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1626, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for theoretically

• hermetically
• magnetically
• pathetically
• electrophoretically
• parenthetically
• sympathetically