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.
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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.
Last year, tests carried out for Oslo's Ruter public transport authority revealed that Chinese manufacturer Yutong could theoretically remotely immobilise its electric buses with their "over-the-air" update system.
From Barron's ● Oct. 17, 2026
Did she mean it could actually perform those tests, or that it theoretically would once the necessary chemistry had been developed?
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 16, 2026
Despite his theoretically more durable tyres, the Briton pitted on lap 18 to switch to the softs, while Leclerc waited until lap 24 to swap his softs for mediums.
From BBC ● Oct. 11, 2026
Millions of different MOF structures are theoretically possible, Stylianou said.
From Science Daily ● Oct. 4, 2026
“But you know, theoretically? I could have gone to the bathroom or something. That’s probably what Mr. Ramos is thinking. Our backpacks were all piled up in the hall. Patrick’s phone was right there.”
From "Goodbye Stranger" by Rebecca Stead
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Get a wordDefinitions 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.
