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 Yankees could have theoretically used first baseman Ben Rice as a backup catcher, swapping out Escarra for an experienced backup shortstop like Oswaldo Cabrera or Max Schuemann, but Rice hasn’t caught in a game this spring. —Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 17 Mar. 2026

To denote what the film it about yields a lengthy list of ideas that are theoretically connected. —Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 14 Mar. 2026

Even in software and math — where 94% of tasks could theoretically be handled by AI, only about 33% are being automated today. —Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 12 Mar. 2026

While there isn’t anything theoretically stopping someone from powering a more modern EV with vapes, their much larger battery capacities would require a ridiculous amount of vapes. —Mack Degeurin, Popular Science, 11 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