theoretically
Americanadverb
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in principle; according to reasonable assumptions or rules, as opposed to what actually happens.
Theoretically they are free to work, but in practice they can’t because we do not recognize their credentials.
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in a way that is purely speculative; hypothetically.
It seems that theoretically the central bank could constrain government spending by allowing treasury checks to bounce.
-
according to, or in a way that relates to, a scientific theory.
An alloy with a particular composition can be modeled to determine theoretically whether it has suitable mechanical and physical properties for medical applications.
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in a way that relates to the set of principles or methods belonging to a particular subject, art, or activity.
Taking classes in all four fields—politics, economics, history, and culture—allows students to be grounded theoretically in the humanities and social sciences.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of theoretically
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Deng conducted an experiment in China applying image recognition to strawberry pollination, work he said could theoretically cut the labor the crop demands.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 27, 2026
In a statement, Hassabis said the move will give him the “time and space focus on the big picture” around AI and artificial general intelligence, which could theoretically match or exceed human intelligence.
From MarketWatch ● Aug. 5, 2026
Meanwhile, approvals for the required metering and grid connection -- theoretically a 10-day process -- can take as long as eight months in some areas, according to Valerio.
From Barron's ● Aug. 5, 2026
However, researchers will not be able to make a more precise forecast for about two years, and both stronger and weaker outcomes remain theoretically possible.
From Science Daily ● Jul. 21, 2026
The congregation had been theoretically spotted from the air by a theoretical enemy.
From "Slaughterhouse-Five" by Kurt Vonnegut
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
