as in speculative
existing only as an assumption or speculation
a necessarily conjectural account of Shakespeare's life, since there is so little hard information
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Recent Examples of conjectural
Failure to prosecute leaders because of the conjectural risk to the system would create two systems of justice, with those in power never being held to the same standard as other wrongdoers.
—
Andrew Weissmann, Variety, 1 Mar. 2023
Both of these Elizabeths are conjectural.
—Vulture, 8 Sep. 2022
That's still highly conjectural.
—Anchorage Daily News, 17 June 2020
But the possible consequences of an Iranian nuclear capability are largely conjectural (save for one: nobody would think of invading Iran anymore).
—Barry R. Posen, Foreign Affairs, 7 Sep. 2010
See All Example Sentences for conjectural
Andrew Weissmann, Variety, 1 Mar. 2023
Both of these Elizabeths are conjectural.
—Vulture, 8 Sep. 2022
That's still highly conjectural.
—Anchorage Daily News, 17 June 2020
But the possible consequences of an Iranian nuclear capability are largely conjectural (save for one: nobody would think of invading Iran anymore).
—Barry R. Posen, Foreign Affairs, 7 Sep. 2010
See All Example Sentences for conjectural
Recent Examples of Synonyms for conjectural
Adjective
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Forecasting revenues over a 99-year period stretches credibility, as economic models typically lose reliability within five years, making century-long projections speculative at best.—
Michelle Grau,
Sun Sentinel,
7 Jan. 2026
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Government lawyers urged the court to dismiss the case, arguing no specific plaintiff has faced deportation or visa revocation and that any harm is speculative.—
Ryan Macasero,
Mercury News,
6 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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But that hypothetical reality is likely months away, at best.—
Claire Heddles,
Miami Herald,
5 Jan. 2026
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In a hypothetical world where college athletes are unionized employees, the athletes’ union might negotiate better terms for some athletes—but that’s not reality and won’t be a reason for the Ninth Circuit to reverse Wilken.—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
5 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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In solving an 80-year-old chemical mystery, the researchers have not only answered a long-standing theoretical question but also expanded the toolbox of modern chemistry.—
Prabhat Ranjan Mishra,
Interesting Engineering,
8 Jan. 2026
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Beat writer Lauren Williams walks us through a few theoretical trades here.—
Tyler Estep,
AJC.com,
7 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Conjectural.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/conjectural. Accessed 8 Jan. 2026.
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