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
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
The theoretical ways drugs can affect heat tolerance are well-known, but there haven't been enough systematic analyses looking at how, and at what levels, and for whom drugs affect heat tolerance, says Yorgi Mavros, a heat expert at The University of Sydney.
—
Alejandra Borunda, NPR, 30 July 2025
The doctrine of communication by conduct is not merely a theoretical construct.
—Majeed Javdani, Forbes.com, 29 July 2025
Like that theoretical butterfly, the Trump administration’s decision to deprive weather forecasters of a little satellite data — whether motivated by Project 2025-brand ideology, a desire to enrich private companies or a mere love of watching the world burn — will have far-reaching consequences.
—Mark Gongloff, Mercury News, 27 July 2025
Peter Gleick, a climate scientist and a member of the National Academy of Sciences, lauded the new report for confirming trends that were once theoretical.
—Abrahm Lustgarten, ProPublica, 25 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for theoretical
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.
Alejandra Borunda, NPR, 30 July 2025
The doctrine of communication by conduct is not merely a theoretical construct.
—Majeed Javdani, Forbes.com, 29 July 2025
Like that theoretical butterfly, the Trump administration’s decision to deprive weather forecasters of a little satellite data — whether motivated by Project 2025-brand ideology, a desire to enrich private companies or a mere love of watching the world burn — will have far-reaching consequences.
—Mark Gongloff, Mercury News, 27 July 2025
Peter Gleick, a climate scientist and a member of the National Academy of Sciences, lauded the new report for confirming trends that were once theoretical.
—Abrahm Lustgarten, ProPublica, 25 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for theoretical
Cite this Entry
“Theoretical.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/theoretical. Accessed 4 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
theoretical
adjective
the·o·ret·i·cal
ˌthē-ə-ˈret-i-kəl
ˌthi(-ə)r-ˈet-
variants
also theoretic
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
adverb
-i-k(ə-)lē
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share