hypothetical

adjective

hy·​po·​thet·​i·​cal ˌhī-pə-ˈthe-ti-kəl 

: involving or being based on a suggested idea or theory : being or involving a hypothesis : conjectural

hypothetical arguments

a hypothetical situation

hypothetical noun

Synonyms of hypothetical

• theoretical
• speculative

Examples of hypothetical in a Sentence

She described a hypothetical case to clarify her point.

we talked about what we would do in various hypothetical emergencies

Recent Examples on the Web

Concerns around a hypothetical future patchwork shouldn’t prevent action today. — Caleb Knapp, Fortune, 3 Aug. 2026

For a standard Republican candidate, a hypothetical best-case scenario is a respectable loss in November. — Dain Fitzgerald, The Washington Examiner, 1 Aug. 2026

Many of the hypothetical sign-and-trade deals for Mathurin or other free agents require the Bulls to attach draft compensation — likely a future second-round pick or two — which also works against the Bulls’ interests. — Joel Lorenzi, New York Times, 1 Aug. 2026

This hypothetical scenario is what can happen if Florida’s Amendment 3 passes. — Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 1 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1588, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for hypothetical

• alphabetical
• antithetical
• arithmetical
• catechetical
• exegetical
• homiletical
• parenthetical
• theoretical
• aesthetical
• genetical
• heretical
• magnetical

Kids Definition

hypothetical

adjective

hy·​po·​thet·​i·​cal ˌhi-pə-ˈthet-i-kəl 

1

: involving a hypothesis or the making of assumptions : assumed

2

: imagined for purposes of example

a hypothetical case

hypothetically

-i-k(ə-)lē 

adverb