theoretically
Americanadverb
-
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.
-
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.
-
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
Derived 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.
It’s theoretically impossible for all AI-using hedge funds to be above average, once AI becomes the rule and not the exception.
From MarketWatch • Jun. 2, 2026
So if McConaughey has a trademark on his voice saying a phrase, then theoretically any AI-generated voice that sounds similar to it could be considered a violation of that trademark, according to Gerben.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 28, 2026
An international team of researchers has reported signs of a previously unseen but theoretically predicted state called an η′-mesic nucleus.
From Science Daily • Apr. 25, 2026
Denmark, for example, could theoretically reimpose the transit tolls that for centuries were a principal revenue earner for the Danish crown, Kirkegaard said.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 10, 2026
When this happens, enharmonically spelled notes, scales, intervals, and chords, may not only be theoretically different.
From "Understanding Basic Music Theory" by Catherine Schmidt-Jones and Russel Jones
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.
