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
This means that, theoretically, skaters can always do more and harder jumps to surpass their competition, Lind says.
—
Allison Parshall, Scientific American, 9 Feb. 2026
Stars that are cooler and fainter can live far longer; the dimmest red dwarf stars theoretically can live on for as much as a trillion years or more.
—Joe Rao, Space.com, 8 Feb. 2026
And, theoretically, the tab could be higher.
—Neal Rubin, Freep.com, 8 Feb. 2026
Up to that point, deuterium had been known theoretically but never observed.
—Bob Goldsborough, Chicago Tribune, 7 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for theoretically
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.
Allison Parshall, Scientific American, 9 Feb. 2026
Stars that are cooler and fainter can live far longer; the dimmest red dwarf stars theoretically can live on for as much as a trillion years or more.
—Joe Rao, Space.com, 8 Feb. 2026
And, theoretically, the tab could be higher.
—Neal Rubin, Freep.com, 8 Feb. 2026
Up to that point, deuterium had been known theoretically but never observed.
—Bob Goldsborough, Chicago Tribune, 7 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for theoretically
Cite this Entry
“Theoretically.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/theoretically. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
