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

Congress theoretically has the power to block the new monument — and a group of House Democrats have introduced a bill to do so. — Rachel Treisman, NPR, 6 Aug. 2026

Oh, and do it all with the focus that all of this madness will be theoretically exploited on the track, even if that’s not always the case. — Jerry Perez, The Drive, 6 Aug. 2026

In Miglietta’s lab, the jellies can theoretically live forever. — Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 6 Aug. 2026

The new law gives the long-term disaster recovery program a three-year home at HUD, meaning Washington will, theoretically, be quicker to help rebuild communities impacted by disasters. — Max Klaver, Miami Herald, 6 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