notionally
Only in theory
Notionally means in theory or concept rather than in practice or reality.
Something that notionally belongs to you may be yours on paper but not in any meaningful sense: The land was notionally public, but locals treated it as private.
The word often signals skepticism about whether the stated arrangement reflects actual conditions.
In principle, not actuality
- abstractlyIn conceptual terms
- ideallyIn perfect circumstances
- hypotheticallyIn assumed circumstances
- nominallyIn name only
presumably · supposedly · ostensibly · putatively · speculatively · in principle · in theory · on paper
In exact terms
- officiallyWith authorized sanction
- formallyIn an official manner
- supposedlyAs is claimed
- ostensiblyAppearing true but questionable
symbolically · representationally · in name only · purportedly · allegedly · seemingly · apparently · on the surface
In assumed circumstances
- conjecturallyBased on unproven assumption
- presumptivelyBy reasonable assumption
- tentativelyWithout full commitment
- uncertainlyIn a doubtful way
provisionally · contingently · arguably · possibly · potentially · imaginably · assumedly · putatively
theoretically
In principle, not actuality
- abstractlyIn conceptual terms
- ideallyIn perfect circumstances
- hypotheticallyIn assumed circumstances
nominally · presumably · supposedly · ostensibly · putatively · speculatively · in principle · in theory · on paper · conceptually
technically
In exact terms
- officiallyWith authorized sanction
- formallyIn an official manner
- supposedlyAs is claimed
ostensibly · symbolically · representationally · in name only · purportedly · allegedly · seemingly · apparently · on the surface · outwardly
hypothetically
In assumed circumstances
- conjecturallyBased on unproven assumption
- presumptivelyBy reasonable assumption
- tentativelyWithout full commitment
uncertainly · provisionally · contingently · arguably · possibly · potentially · imaginably · assumedly · putatively
notionallyactually
In truth, not supposedly
really · in reality · in fact · concretely · truly
notionallypractically
Almost but not quite
in practice · operationally · functionally · effectively · on the ground