as in theoretic
existing only as an assumption or speculation
we talked about what we would do in various hypothetical emergencies
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as in assumption
something taken as being true or factual and used as a starting point for a course of action or reasoning
believes that predictions of the extinction of certain species as the result of global warming are based upon too many hypotheticals
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Recent Examples of hypothetical
Meredith Mutter, CNBC, 28 May 2025
But the polling also showed that Cornyn did the best among the three Republicans in a hypothetical matchup against former Rep. Colin Allred (D-Texas), who could launch a second Senate campaign.
—Caroline Vakil, The Hill, 28 May 2025
But as production ramps ahead of Apple’s fall iPhone release cycle, the stakes are far from hypothetical.
—Catherine Baab, Quartz, 23 May 2025
Health has been viewed primarily as a function of hypothetical future costs in wealth planning.
—Joseph Coughlin, Forbes.com, 19 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for hypothetical
Adjective
That means for an investor with a hypothetical $10,000 in the fund, the annual fee would be $3.
—Meredith Mutter, CNBC, 28 May 2025
But the polling also showed that Cornyn did the best among the three Republicans in a hypothetical matchup against former Rep. Colin Allred (D-Texas), who could launch a second Senate campaign.
—Caroline Vakil, The Hill, 28 May 2025
But as production ramps ahead of Apple’s fall iPhone release cycle, the stakes are far from hypothetical.
—Catherine Baab, Quartz, 23 May 2025
Health has been viewed primarily as a function of hypothetical future costs in wealth planning.
—Joseph Coughlin, Forbes.com, 19 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for hypothetical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hypothetical
Noun
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Courts are also increasingly scrutinizing environmental claims—down to the assumptions behind individual offsets.—
Felicia Jackson,
Forbes.com,
3 June 2025
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Mass incarceration, which swept the country in the late twentieth century, rested on the assumption that a person spoiling for a fight with another person was weighing costs: that the difference between ten years and twenty-five would matter.—
Malcolm Gladwell,
New Yorker,
2 June 2025
Adjective
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But analysts say rising premiums are more a speculative play or hedge against risk rather than a sign of impending financial crisis and insolvency.—
Yeo Boon Ping,
CNBC,
29 May 2025
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The ball is dropping and an Athletic player attempts a speculative pass through midfield.—
Art de Roché,
New York Times,
28 May 2025
Noun
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Russian sources, however, have suggested a third theory: that Portnov might have held compromising material on current Ukrainian officials.—
Katya Soldak,
Forbes.com,
24 May 2025
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The chance encounter turned out to be a first-of-its-kind sighting — and confirmation of an expert theory.—
Aspen Pflughoeft,
Miami Herald,
23 May 2025
Adjective
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With a degree in theoretical mathematics and geophysical fluid dynamics, Kapnick saw herself as uniquely positioned to take on that challenge.—
Diana Olick,
CNBC,
31 May 2025
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This recent study, which does just that, studied two theoretical Population III stars: one 13 times as massive as the sun, and one 200 times as massive.—
Robin George Andrews,
Smithsonian Magazine,
30 May 2025
Noun
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However, the data doesn't seem to really support this hypothesis in manufacturing.—
Greg Rosalsky,
NPR,
27 May 2025
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For each test, include the specific messaging hypothesis, how to implement it, and how to measure results.—
Jodie Cook,
Forbes.com,
27 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Hypothetical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hypothetical. Accessed 7 Jun. 2025.
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