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
Ben Brubaker, Quanta Magazine, 25 July 2025
Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman is also considering a run for governor but is first running for reelection to his current position and has trailed Stefanik in early hypothetical polls.
—Jared Gans, The Hill, 24 July 2025
Some of them don't always make a lot of sense, but this hypothetical deal seems to have the groundwork of a potential trade this month.
—Zach Pressnell, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 July 2025
As directed by Grok’s cousin (or whatever), the hypothetical Labubu Movie from AI might be a trainwreck.
—Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 18 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for hypothetical
Adjective
The quantum problem Kretschmer used as his foundation involved hypothetical computing devices called oracles that can instantaneously answer specific questions.
—Ben Brubaker, Quanta Magazine, 25 July 2025
Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman is also considering a run for governor but is first running for reelection to his current position and has trailed Stefanik in early hypothetical polls.
—Jared Gans, The Hill, 24 July 2025
Some of them don't always make a lot of sense, but this hypothetical deal seems to have the groundwork of a potential trade this month.
—Zach Pressnell, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 July 2025
As directed by Grok’s cousin (or whatever), the hypothetical Labubu Movie from AI might be a trainwreck.
—Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 18 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for hypothetical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hypothetical
Noun
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Finally, level 3 asset fair values must be calculated based on estimations and assumptions based on the latest available data on the measurement date.—
Tomas Milar,
Forbes.com,
21 July 2025
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But if Trump does push ahead with 30% tariffs on EU imports, there is a broad assumption the ECB will cut rates in response.—
Leonie Kidd,
CNBC,
20 July 2025
Adjective
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The Sirens is a compelling mix of contemporary, historical, and speculative fiction told through multiple points of view, mysterious dreams, and magical revelations.—
Kalie Cassidy
July 25,
Literary Hub,
25 July 2025
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Again, nothing’s been finalized and the financial details remain wholly in the arena of the speculative.—
Anthony Crupi,
Sportico.com,
25 July 2025
Noun
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But Margulis took her theory further; in her view, symbiosis was the driving force of evolution, and many entities were likely composites.—
Zoë Schlanger,
The Atlantic,
23 July 2025
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Energized by these findings, Harland presented his theory to colleagues.—
Laura Poppick
July 22,
Literary Hub,
22 July 2025
Adjective
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The theoretical ways drugs can affect heat tolerance are well-known, but there haven't been enough systematic analyses looking at how, and at what levels, and for whom drugs affect heat tolerance, says Yorgi Mavros, a heat expert at The University of Sydney.—
Alejandra Borunda,
NPR,
30 July 2025
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The doctrine of communication by conduct is not merely a theoretical construct.—
Majeed Javdani,
Forbes.com,
29 July 2025
Noun
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The findings back up a hypothesis that had been put forward by Beasley’s coauthor John Speth, an anthropologist at the University of Michigan, who has for nearly a decade argued that putrid meat and fish would have formed a key part of prehistoric diets.—
Katie Hunt,
CNN Money,
25 July 2025
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Their hypothesis is that a drop in vehicle bug splatter signals a decline in the insect population.—
Adeel Hassan,
New York Times,
23 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Hypothetical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hypothetical. Accessed 3 Aug. 2025.
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