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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

Because of this, scientists have had to rely heavily on theoretical models rather than direct measurements.

From Science Daily • Apr. 14, 2026

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

From MarketWatch • Apr. 11, 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

The earliest theoretical attempts to describe and explain the universe involved the idea that events and natural phenomena were controlled by spirits with human emotions who acted in a very humanlike and unpredictable manner.

From "A Brief History of Time: And Other Essays" by Stephen Hawking

Vocabulary lists containing theoretical

Albert Einstein

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