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in theory

ADJECTIVE
hypothetic
Synonyms
WEAK
abstract academic analytical as a premise assumed codified conjectural contingent formalistic formularized general hypothetical ideal idealized ideational ideological imaginative impractical in the abstract instanced intelle
ADJECTIVE
speculative
Synonyms
STRONGEST
analytical dangerous experimental hypothetical risky unproved unproven unsubstantiated
WEAK
abstract assumed conceptive dicey formularized hairy hazardous ideal idealized ideological iffy intellectual logical notional philosophical presumed uncertain
Antonyms
STRONGEST
proven safe
ADJECTIVE
theoretic
Synonyms
WEAK
abstract academic analytical as a premise assumed codified conjectural contingent formalistic formularized general hypothetic hypothetical ideal idealized ideational ideological imaginative impractical in the abstract instanced intellectual logical metaphysical notional on paper pedantic philosophical postulated presumed problematical pure quixotic speculative suppositional tentative transcendent transcendental unearthly unproved unsubstantiated vague
ADJECTIVE
theoretical
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 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.

It’s easy enough in theory to fall back on the principle, “well, too bad — let this be a lesson to you!”

From MarketWatch • May 13, 2026

AGI, in theory, could reach a stage of recursive self-improvement that results in a loss of human understanding or control.

From Los Angeles Times • May 11, 2026

Under these new provisions, the OfS would in theory have the power to remove the right to provide university level education, although that is likely to remain a threat rather than a reality.

From BBC • Apr. 19, 2026

Each side has, in theory, a great deal to gain.

From Barron's • Apr. 17, 2026

I doubled my herb lore in theory if not in practice.

From "The Name of the Wind" by Patrick Rothfuss