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Definitions

theoretical

[thee-uh-ret-i-kuhl] / ˌθi əˈrɛt ɪ kəl /
ADJECTIVE
hypothetical
Synonyms
STRONGEST
abstract academic analytical imaginative intellectual logical metaphysical philosophical speculative vague
WEAK
as a premise assumed codified conjectural contingent formalistic formularized general ideal idealized ideational ideological impractical in the abstract in theory instanced notional on paper pedantic postulated presumed problematical pure quixotic suppositional tentative transcendent transcendental unearthly unproved unsubstantiated
Antonyms
STRONGEST
concrete ignorant illogical material objective physical real simple
WEAK
certain definite factual proven

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.

While at the University of California, Berkeley, pursuing a doctorate in theoretical physics, he started taking computer science courses out of curiosity.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 16, 2026

“That’s no longer a theoretical thing,” Altman said.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 11, 2026

A new theoretical study, accepted for publication in Physical Review Letters, suggests a very different strategy.

From Science Daily • Apr. 10, 2026

In that theoretical promised land, the objective would be to care deeply about the people and issues that are worth our attention, not about stuff that doesn’t matter.

From Salon • Apr. 5, 2026

“You can’t make a theoretical case for the military.”

From "Half of a Yellow Sun" by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

Vocabulary lists containing theoretical

Albert Einstein

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