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Showing results for theoretical. Search instead for theorieentwicklung.
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.

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

I don’t think theoretical value ought to outweigh public confidence under any circumstances.

From Barron's • Mar. 28, 2026

But around them was a massive company with nearly bottomless resources, along with vast amounts of industrial and theoretical expertise.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 28, 2026

However, theoretical models had expected a larger population and suggested a stronger connection with lower-mass Be stars.

From Science Daily • Mar. 25, 2026

There was something odd about her expression that made me think this wasn’t theoretical, but I was too timid to ask anything else.

From "Three Little Words: A Memoir" by Ashley Rhodes-Courter

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.