thought experiment

noun

: gedankenexperiment

Examples of thought experiment in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Then, from the sixteenth century onward, Christian philos-ophers and social reformers repeatedly engaged in thought experiments about classless Utopias. — Literary Hub, 21 Oct. 2026

Hence, any thought experiment that presupposes an AGI often supposes an ASI. — Geoffrey Irving, Time, 3 Oct. 2026

As nightmare thought experiments shape the fight over how to govern a multitrillion-dollar industry, some experts say the parables may lead decision-makers astray. — Nitasha Tiku, Washington Post, 21 Sep. 2026

That combination makes the AGI debate harder to dismiss as a distant thought experiment. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 3 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1854, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for thought experiment

• merriment