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.

For Iranians at home and abroad, the debate over US involvement is no longer theoretical.

From BBC

This isn’t just theoretical; we already see the dangers of hallucinations in the real world.

From Barron's

Those entities, later used for the merger, carried the name K2, an apparent homage to the Kardashev scale—a theoretical framework that illustrates a civilization’s advancement through energy usage, including from stars.

From The Wall Street Journal

"I guess it's on brand for Anthropic doublespeak to use a deceptive ad to critique theoretical deceptive ads that aren't real, but a Super Bowl ad is not where I would expect it," he wrote.

From BBC

“All of those are temporary and theoretical,” the social worker replied.

From Literature

theoretical

Example Sentences

Related Words