theoretically

adverb

the·​o·​ret·​i·​cal·​ly ˌthē-ə-ˈre-ti-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce theoretically (audio)
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
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 General Assembly could theoretically take steps to remove an official through a local act, Joyce said, but that is extremely rare. Charlotte Observer, 7 Apr. 2026 For the Panthers, all of this means the Panthers need to finish the regular season with one of the eight worst records in the league in order to have a top-10 pick (and thus retain their first-round draft pick this year) because theoretically two teams at most can jump them in the draft order. Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 7 Apr. 2026 Although some may theoretically exist in unsampled tundra — in a place like Siberia, maybe — Van Nuland suspects that many of the species will prove to be endemic to this region. Quanta Magazine, 6 Apr. 2026 Seems doubtful, but theoretically possible. Kathy Kristof, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for theoretically

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1626, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of theoretically was circa 1626

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Theoretically.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/theoretically. Accessed 8 Apr. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on theoretically

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster