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

An Anthropic study released earlier this month demonstrated that AI is already theoretically capable of performing the majority of tasks associated with engineering, law, finance, and business. —Jake Angelo, Fortune, 31 Mar. 2026

Our paper just showed that teleportation was theoretically possible. —Joseph Howlett, Scientific American, 31 Mar. 2026

This suggests that a self-healing concrete could theoretically be stored for a long period without ‘using up’ the healing agents. —Srishti Gupta, Interesting Engineering, 31 Mar. 2026

If it’s ultimately built, the massive project would require bulldozing dozens of acres of woodlands and could theoretically drive up the town’s population by 10%. —Don Stacom, Hartford Courant, 30 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1626, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for theoretically

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