Theoretical — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adjective /ˌthē-ə-ˈre-ti-kəl/ the·o·ret·i·cal

Meaning & Definition of Theoretical

Theoretical (adjective)

  1. existing only in theory, hypothetical
  2. relating to or having the character of theory, abstract
  3. confined to theory or speculation often in contrast to practical applications, speculative

Theoretical (adjective) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. existing only as an assumption or speculation

    "the merits of the new testing procedures are purely theoretical, since no one has ever used them before"

    similar: academic, conjectural, hypothetical, speculative, suppositional
    related: alleged, assumed, presumed, presupposed, proposed, supposed, unproved, unproven, untested, debatable, moot, abstract, conceptual, intellectual, metaphysical, nonclinical, nonpractical, nonempirical
    opposite: actual, factual, real
    near: clinical, practical, concrete, defined, definite, distinct, attested, authenticated, confirmed, demonstrated, established, proven, substantiated, tested, time-tested, validated, verified, empirical, nonspeculative, nontheoretical, observational

  2. dealing with or expressing a quality or idea

    "the theoretical musings in his new book are less engaging than the anecdote-driven arguments of his previous works"

    similar: abstract, conceptual, ideal, ideational, metaphysical, notional
    related: conjectural, hypothetical, speculative, cosmic, intellectual, mental, spiritual, ethereal, immaterial, incorporeal, insubstantial, nonmaterial, nonphysical, unsubstantial, impalpable, imperceptible, insensible, intangible, invisible, impractical, romantic, transcendent, transcendental, unreal, utopian, visionary
    opposite: concrete, nonabstract
    near: material, physical, appreciable, detectable, discernible, noticeable, observable, palpable, perceptible, sensible, substantial, tangible, visible, defined, definite, distinct, actual, factual, real

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Theoretical

The most common words with a similar meaning to Theoretical:

academic, conjectural, hypothetical, speculative, suppositional, abstract, conceptual, ideal, ideational, metaphysical, notional

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Theoretical

Words with the opposite meaning of Theoretical:

actual, factual, real, concrete, nonabstract

Related Words for Theoretical

alleged, assumed, presumed, presupposed, proposed, supposed, unproved, unproven, untested, debatable, moot, intellectual, nonclinical, nonpractical, nonempirical, cosmic, mental, spiritual, ethereal, immaterial, incorporeal, insubstantial, nonmaterial, nonphysical, unsubstantial, impalpable, imperceptible, insensible, intangible, invisible

Near Antonyms of Theoretical

clinical, practical, defined, definite, distinct, attested, authenticated, confirmed, demonstrated, established, proven, substantiated, tested, time-tested, validated, verified, empirical, nonspeculative, nontheoretical, observational, material, physical, appreciable, detectable, discernible, noticeable, observable, palpable, perceptible, sensible

Origin & Etymology of Theoretical

Late Latin theoreticus, from Greek theōrētikos, from theōrein to look at

First known use: 15th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Theoretical

  • Topics: Descriptions / Adjectives, Science & Research

Words & Phrases Containing Theoretical

anti-theoretical, in theoretical terms

Frequently Asked Questions about Theoretical

What does "Theoretical" mean?

"Theoretical" means existing only in theory, hypothetical. As an adjective, it is defined as: existing only in theory, hypothetical. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Theoretical"?

Other words for "Theoretical" include academic, conjectural, hypothetical, speculative, suppositional, abstract, conceptual and ideal. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Theoretical" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Theoretical"?

There are 48 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Theoretical". Common alternatives include academic, conjectural, hypothetical, speculative, suppositional, abstract, conceptual, ideal, ideational and metaphysical.

What is the opposite of "Theoretical"?

Antonyms of "Theoretical" include actual, factual, real, concrete and nonabstract. Near antonyms include clinical, practical, defined and definite.

How do you use "Theoretical" in a sentence?

Examples of "Theoretical" in a sentence: "the merits of the new testing procedures are purely theoretical, since no one has ever used them before"; "the theoretical musings in his new book are less engaging than the anecdote-driven arguments of his previous works".

Is "Theoretical" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Theoretical" is an adjective.

How do you pronounce "Theoretical"?

"Theoretical" is pronounced /ˌthē-ə-ˈre-ti-kəl/ and divided into syllables as the·o·ret·i·cal.

What is the origin of the word "Theoretical"?

"Theoretical" comes from Late Latin theoreticus, from Greek theōrētikos, from theōrein to look at. First known use: 15th century.