theoretical

adjective

the·​o·​ret·​i·​cal ˌthē-ə-ˈre-ti-kəl How to pronounce theoretical (audio)
ˌthir-ˈe-ti-kəl
variants or less commonly theoretic
ˌthē-ə-ˈre-tik How to pronounce theoretical (audio)
ˌthir-ˈe-tik
Synonyms of theoretical
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

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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.
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Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The class is designed to appeal to students who might be drawn to a more practical curriculum than a more theoretical subject such as AP economics, which was already and still is offered at high schools like this one. — Stephan Bisaha, NPR, 29 Oct. 2026 For now, the research work establishes a theoretical possibility under restrictive conditions, not evidence that any black hole has ever been divided into two. — Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 25 Oct. 2026 Such scenarios may become more common as militaries continue to deploy a once-theoretical technology — AI-assisted or autonomous weapons, capable of making both targeting and launch decisions on their own — on real battlefields around the globe. — Kylie Jones, Vox, 25 Oct. 2026 There are scores of results across not just number theory but also geometry and theoretical computer science that the proofs of quasi-Riemann will, in a swift stroke, establish as mathematical truths. — Quanta Magazine, 19 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for theoretical

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of theoretical was in the 15th century

Phrases Containing theoretical

Rhymes for theoretical

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Browse Nearby Words

theorem of Pythagoras
theoretical
theoretically
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Cite this Entry

“Theoretical.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/theoretical. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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Kids Definition

theoretical

adjective
the·​o·​ret·​i·​cal ˌthē-ə-ˈret-i-kəl How to pronounce theoretical (audio)
ˌthi(-ə)r-ˈet-
variants also theoretic
-ik How to pronounce theoretical (audio)
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
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