theoretical

adjective

the·​o·​ret·​i·​cal ˌthē-ə-ˈre-ti-kəl 

ˌthir-ˈe-ti-kəl

variants or less commonly theoretic

ˌthē-ə-ˈre-tik 

ˌthir-ˈe-tik

1

: existing only in theory : hypothetical

gave as an example a theoretical situation

2

a

: relating to or having the character of theory : abstract

b

: confined to theory or speculation often in contrast to practical applications : speculative

theoretical physics

3

: given to or skilled in theorizing

a brilliant theoretical physicist

Synonyms of theoretical

• hypothetical
• speculative
• conjectural

Examples of theoretical in a Sentence

On a theoretical level, hiring more people seems logical.

The idea is purely theoretical at this point.

The danger is more than just a theoretical possibility.

Recent Examples on the Web

At the same time, Albrecht drew a sharp line between tightening theoretical foundations and winning real cases. —Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 1 June 2026

This law provides Democrats with a theoretical path to nominate a different candidate. —Carter Schroppe, The Washington Examiner, 31 May 2026

Over more than a century, quant has evolved from a purely theoretical concept to a practical approach to investing in financial markets. —Jasmine Browley, Forbes.com, 31 May 2026

So the question is no longer theoretical. —Ed Gaskin, Boston Herald, 30 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

Late Latin theoreticus, from Greek theōrētikos, from theōrein to look at

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing theoretical

• anti-theoretical
• in theoretical terms

Rhymes for theoretical

• aesthetical
• genetical
• heretical
• magnetical
• poetical
• prophetical
• alphabetical
• antithetical
• arithmetical
• catechetical
• exegetical
• homiletical

Kids Definition

theoretical

adjective

the·​o·​ret·​i·​cal ˌthē-ə-ˈret-i-kəl 

ˌthi(-ə)r-ˈet-

variants also theoretic

-ik 

1

a

: relating to or having the character of theory : abstract

b

: limited to theory or speculation : speculative

theoretical physics

2

: existing only in theory : hypothetical

a theoretical situation

theoretically

-i-k(ə-)lē

adverb