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

• academic
• academical
• conjectural
• hypothetical
• speculative
• suppositional

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

Eventually, a theoretical picture emerged for the supersolid. —Quanta Magazine, 6 Nov. 2024

These partnerships are crucial for pushing quantum computing beyond its theoretical potential and into practical, scalable business solutions. —Yuval Boger, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024

There may have also been confusion around management’s theoretical comments about discontinuing the use of Simul-frac, which has unlocked a lot of capital efficiencies. —Jeff Marks, CNBC, 4 Nov. 2024

The question now is whether this new, more primitive geometric approach to particle physics will allow theoretical physicists to slip the confines of space and time altogether. —Charlie Wood, WIRED, 3 Nov. 2024

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

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