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

While a hypothetical McDavid trade could yield a king’s ransom of picks, prospects and maybe even quality NHLers, transforming those pieces into a true contender in just one season is an incredibly tight turnaround. — Janson Duench, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2026

The search for this elusive, hypothetical planet has taken many forms over the decades. — Micah Hanks, Space.com, 14 Sep. 2026

The consequences of Illinois’ new law have remained largely hypothetical. — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 11 Sep. 2026

Gutierrez found that jurors were vexed by expert testimony regarding a hypothetical world in which NFL games were televised more like college football games. — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 8 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