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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.

“The longer the supply disruption lasts, the more vulnerable the oil market should be and, in theory, face greater upward volatility whenever de-escalation hopes aren’t fulfilled,” wrote ING analyst Francesco Pesole in a research note.

From Barron's • Jun. 5, 2026

Though aimed at fans, there is in theory nothing stopping an opposition member of staff from turning up and recording observations.

From BBC • Jun. 3, 2026

Brian will have to pay filing costs and, if the judge did find that he took a frivolous case, he could, in theory, be held liable for Adam’s legal fees, too.

From MarketWatch • May 28, 2026

One concern is that, if pre-cancerous cells are already present, very high availability of growth-supporting nutrients such as B12 could, in theory, support their growth too.

From Science Daily • May 27, 2026

In two hours, in theory at least, she would slice through a segment of the earth it had taken me weeks to clamber over.

From "Travels with Charley in Search of America" by John Steinbeck

in theory

Example Sentences

Related Words