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

That game is too important, and holding someone back for a hypothetical Game 3 might be foolish regardless. — Matt Gelb, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026

In a hypothetical matchup against Moody, the poll showed Nixon would perform a bit better than Vindman, but would still lose by 50% to 42%. — Steve Bousquet, Sun Sentinel, 5 Sep. 2026

In a recent paper published in IEEE Transactions on Field Robotics, Jangale’s team reports on the design of RoboBall, a hypothetical lunar mission, and results from initial tests in the Texas quarry. — IEEE Spectrum, 3 Sep. 2026

Deadline’s Dish article noted that no specific role had been identified and talks were mainly hypothetical, coming before official confirmation of Season 3, which followed as the final Edinburgh TV Festival started last week. — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 3 Sep. 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