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

Mortality, even if distant or hypothetical, is implicit in every patient encounter. — Dr. Lucy McBride, Time, 8 Aug. 2026

The then-hypothetical facility had been a critical contingency for Riley, who never toured USC’s facilities, but knew — like most people around college football — that the Trojans were seriously lacking in that department. — Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 7 Aug. 2026

Instead of acknowledging this, the Skubal trade has given rise to conspiracy theories from Brewers fans that the Tigers took the Dodgers offer because of some type of hypothetical collusion. — Ian Miller Outkick, FOXNews.com, 6 Aug. 2026

And Iran has now proved its previously hypothetical ability to control the Strait of Hormuz. — Kori Schake, Foreign Affairs, 6 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