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

Kateryna Bondar, a senior fellow with the Wadhwani AI Center at CSIS, told CNBC that humanoid robots could theoretically provide certain upsides on the battlefield due to their autonomy and human-like dexterity. —Dylan Butts, CNBC, 30 May 2026

Could a traveler with Ebola theoretically arrive in the United States? —Krutika Kuppalli, STAT, 28 May 2026

This controversial topic has yet received little attention theoretically and empirically, but marketers and policy makers are confronted by the need to deal with its causes and consequences. —Ezgi Eyüboğlu, Encyclopedia Britannica, 27 May 2026

Instead of relying solely on rooftops facing the sun, vertical glass surfaces across entire city blocks could theoretically generate power throughout the day. —New Atlas, 26 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1626, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for theoretically

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