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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.

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

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

Close friends will, in theory, congratulate you on your achievements.

From MarketWatch • May 26, 2026

But like all Supreme Court cases, Callais, at least in theory, covers only the mapmaking legal issues before it.

From Slate • May 19, 2026

Having a whole country on your knee was weird enough in theory, but it was all kinds of awkward in practice.

From "Chronicles of a Lizard Nobody" by Patrick Ness

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