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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.

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

From MarketWatch • Apr. 11, 2026

A new theoretical study has explored this issue in depth.

From Science Daily • Apr. 6, 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

Justice Amy Coney Barrett asked Sauer a mix of practical and theoretical questions that revealed the incoherence of his position.

From Slate • Apr. 1, 2026

His political advisers easily entangled him in theoretical labyrinths.

From "One Hundred Years of Solitude" by Gabriel Garcia Marquez

Vocabulary lists containing theoretical

Albert Einstein

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