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 was the hypothetical matchup that the pollster said Wasserman Schultz won with 52% of the Democratic primary vote, with 43% divided among seven other candidates, and 5% undecided. —Anthony Man, Sun Sentinel, 27 May 2026

In a hypothetical series between Vegas and Montreal, oddsmakers have the Golden Knights as minus-137 favorites. —Jesse Granger, New York Times, 27 May 2026

The newer generation of operators seems far less dependent on hypothetical future breakthroughs. —Sara Payan, Rolling Stone, 27 May 2026

These risks are not hypothetical. —Jordan Henry, Forbes.com, 27 May 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