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

Although many browser extensions can theoretically make that transition, the architectural changes completely break ad blockers. — Chris Hoffman, PC Magazine, 12 Aug. 2026

While parents could theoretically face criminal charges, the circumstances of the case will make for a difficult decision when prosecutors are faced with the decision on whether to file charges. — Jakob Rodgers, Mercury News, 11 Aug. 2026

If a spacecraft could sustain the probe’s speed, a trip to Mars would theoretically take anywhere from 3 to 25 days. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 11 Aug. 2026

Bay Head Mayor Bill Curtis told ABC News that some fishermen have used drones to drop bait in the water, and that bait could theoretically float closer to shore in bathing areas, luring in sharks and putting recreational swimmers at risk. — Mason Leib, ABC News, 10 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1626, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for theoretically

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