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

The effort theoretically mitigates many of the problems of data centers on Earth, including their power and water usage and heat generation. —Andrew R. Chow, Time, 9 Jan. 2026

Trump’s economic management combines two theoretically incompatible tendencies. —Gilad Edelman, The Atlantic, 5 Jan. 2026

In doing so, garments would theoretically stay in circulation longer—therefore out of landfills and, instead, into a relevant recycling stream. —Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 5 Jan. 2026

Sure, Brady can still theoretically run the show behind the scenes, but that creates ambiguity that does not serve the interests of the franchise — internally or externally. —Michael Silver, New York Times, 2 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1626, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for theoretically

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