View synonyms for theoretically

theoretically

[ thee-uh-ret-ik-lee ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

adverb

in principle; according to reasonable assumptions or rules, as opposed to what actually happens:
Theoretically they are free to work, but in practice they can’t because we do not recognize their credentials.
in a way that is purely speculative; hypothetically:
It seems that theoretically the central bank could constrain government spending by allowing treasury checks to bounce.
according to, or in a way that relates to, a scientific theory:
An alloy with a particular composition can be modeled to determine theoretically whether it has suitable mechanical and physical properties for medical applications.
in a way that relates to the set of principles or methods belonging to a particular subject, art, or activity:
Taking classes in all four fields—politics, economics, history, and culture—allows students to be grounded theoretically in the humanities and social sciences.

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