Synonyms for

Theoretically

Verb / ˌθi:ɜ:ˈetɪkʌli: / / ˌθi:ɜ:ˈetɪkli: / Another word for theoretically — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

Theoretically means something that is based on theory rather than practical experience.

Synonyms & similar words

empirically hypothetically supposedly academically intellectually abstractly conceptually ideally potentially possibly imaginably presumably theorized speculatively tentatively purportedly rumored allegedly reportedly ostensibly

Synonyms by register

Formal

hypothetically speculatively academically in principle

Informal

on paper in theory supposedly

Literary

imaginatively conceptually

Antonyms

practically actually really empirically concretely factually demonstrably

Common collocations

  • theoretically possible
  • theoretically sound
  • theoretically speaking
  • theoretically valid
  • theoretically impossible
  • theoretically pure
  • theoretically optimal

Word family

noun theory
adjective theoretical

Usage note

This adverb indicates something is true or possible according to theory, but not necessarily in practice. It often contrasts with actual or practical outcomes.

Example sentences

  1. Theoretically, it is possible to travel faster than the speed of light.
  2. Theoretically, the sun will burn out in a few billion years.
  3. Theoretically, the earth could be destroyed by a giant asteroid.
  4. Theoretically, you could fit 64 quarter coins on top of each other to reach one meter tall.
  5. Theoretically, every person on earth could fit inside the state of Texas.

Quotes

  • Theoretically, planning may be good. But nobody has ever figured out the unpredictable things that can happen.
  • Lots of people working in cryptography have no deep concern with real application issues. They are trying to discover things clever enough to write papers about. They hope to make names for themselves by solving the Byzantine generals' problem. As an intellectual game, it's fine, but as soon as you start to think about real systems, it's irrelevant. Nobody has ever found a way to use a public key to send a secret message that was theoretically unbreakable.
  • Theoretically, I am ready to sacrifice everything for my religion. But would I do it? Would I ever be called upon to do it?

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