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

These objects have remained hypothetical as evidence of their existence has proved elusive. —Robert Lea, Space.com, 10 June 2026

For instance, in a scenario used in the study, a hypothetical dog scores –1 on the Kong test, +2 on the treat reach test, +2 on the stairs and 0 on the walking step test. —Jackie Flynn Mogensen, Scientific American, 10 June 2026

The video, which has garnered over 70,000 views as of Wednesday, opens with a scowling Donalds, sitting behind the governor’s desk one year into his hypothetical first term. —Garrett Shanley, Miami Herald, 10 June 2026

But there’s another important hypothetical scenario to consider. —Dan Zaksheske Outkick, FOXNews.com, 9 June 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