theoretically

adverb

the·​o·​ret·​i·​cal·​ly ˌthē-ə-ˈre-ti-k(ə-)lē 

ˌthir-ˈe-ti-

1

: according to an ideal or assumed set of facts or principles : in theory

2

: in a theoretical way

Examples of theoretically in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

But considering how far this project has come in a short period of time — and acknowledging the Rays are theoretically free to negotiate with any other market about building a ballpark for 2029 and beyond — getting the MOU locked down this week seems like a necessary next step. —John Romano, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Apr. 2026

This week would theoretically offer a chance to exhale, but the work doesn’t slow down for them yet. —Zach Berman, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2026

Today, with Apple’s market cap hovering around $4 trillion, that 10% stake could theoretically be worth more than $400 billion. —Preston Fore, Fortune, 27 Apr. 2026

Such reins on an industry that has billed itself as capable of extinguishing humankind are, theoretically, in everyone’s interest. —Matteo Wong, The Atlantic, 27 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1626, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for theoretically

• hermetically
• magnetically
• pathetically
• electrophoretically
• parenthetically
• sympathetically