View synonyms for

theoretically

[thee-uh-ret-ik-lee]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

adverb

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.

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Other Word Forms

antitheoretically adverb
nontheoretically adverb
untheoretically adverb

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Word History and Origins

Origin of theoretically¹

theoretical ( def. ) + -ly

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

This surplus is often referred to as "headroom" and theoretically acts as buffer against an economic shock or an increase in spending.

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Additionally, if we theoretically heard a sound like a vocalization on Venus, our perception of the size of the creature it was coming from would be a little distorted.

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Since they haggle on behalf of health plans that collectively enroll hundreds of millions of Americans, these PBMs have considerable leverage, and should theoretically drive a hard bargain and win enormous discounts.

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Though theoretically humans may have genetic science down that we could rescue any imperiled species, from sea otters to monarch butterflies, this has yet to be fully demonstrated.

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Non-immigrants could theoretically fill many of these posts and working-age people who are economically inactive could potentially be deployed in this sector if they could be encouraged and helped into work.

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theoretical theoretician

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