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.
Even where changes are still theoretically possible, the legal and logistical hurdles are steep.
From Barron's • Apr. 30, 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
Balancing the burden between current and future cohorts is a tricky question, both theoretically and practically.
From MarketWatch • Apr. 21, 2026
It had been floating about for almost thirty years in the circle of theoretically inclined geneticists intrigued by gene duplication.
From "Double Helix" by James D. Watson
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.
