EMPIRICAL Synonyms: 61 Similar and Opposite Words

empirical

adjective

im-ˈpir-i-kəl

variants also empiric

Definition of empirical

as in observational

based on observation or experience guidelines for raising children that are based on empirical evidence

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in verifiable

capable of being proven as true or real a philosopher who does not regard "God exists" as an empirical statement

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of empirical While there have been many lawsuits and much news reporting, there has been little empirical research testing whether a concentration in treatment centers are tied to a significant increase in overdoses in the area, the report said. — Teri Sforza, Oc Register, 5 July 2026 The surge also did considerable damage to the buildings within the surge zone, 85% of which were residential buildings, according to New York University's Furman Center, an empirical research institution. — Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 4 July 2026 This administrative logic is hopelessly out of touch with the empirical reality of American health care. — David S. Shapiro, STAT, 30 June 2026 These results are the empirical fuel SkyDrive needs to advance its certification process with Japan's Civil Aviation Bureau (JCAB) and, eventually, the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). — Omar Kardoudi june 26, New Atlas, 26 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for empirical

Recent Examples of Synonyms for empirical

Adjective

Researchers now have access to longer and better observational records from weather stations, satellites and other monitoring systems.

— Deepti Singh, The Conversation, 24 July 2026
Because this was an observational study, researchers could identify associations but couldn’t prove that positive beliefs caused better physical or cognitive outcomes.

— Lindsay Curtis, Verywell Health, 22 July 2026

Definition of observational

Adjective

The hearing follows a White House report that argued the Smithsonian Institution had abandoned objective scholarship in favor of progressive activism.

— Rena Rowe, The Washington Examiner, 21 July 2026
The 50mm objective lenses are the benchmark for stargazing binoculars and are able to deliver bright views of the night sky.

— Harry Bennett, Space.com, 20 July 2026

Definition of objective

Adjective

But technology now changes continuously, and examiners increasingly expect demonstrable, ongoing control rather than point-in-time adherence.

— Chris Brown, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026
America has witnessed a proliferation of voting rights groups with sound justification and demonstrable results, but there comes a point when there may be too much of a good thing.

— Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Time, 28 June 2026

Definition of demonstrable

Adjective

Across their four albums, the group has cultivated a rabid fan base dedicated to their brand of experimental rock.

— Britt Julious, Chicago Tribune, 26 July 2026
The brand has released a number of limited and premium whiskeys over the years, including Bulleit 10 Year, barrel-strength expressions and experimental releases.

— Emily Price, Forbes.com, 25 July 2026

Definition of experimental

Adjective

Binding it all together is the chain-of-custody record that includes every handoff between teams, vendors and systems, with verification signatures that make each component's provenance independently confirmable.

— Akash Pugalia, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026
Cekada is only the third person to be confirmed to lead the agency since the director's position was made confirmable in 2006.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 3 May 2026

Definition of confirmable

Adjective

But Nolan saw the shift to streaming as an existential threat to the movies, one that undermined both the public good and the vision of the filmmaker.

— Brady Brickner-Wood, New Yorker, 22 July 2026
Chuck sees its rapid spread as an existential threat to tennis, especially when pickleball advocate Skip (Patton Oswalt) starts angling to take up more of his courts.

— David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 21 July 2026

Definition of existential

Adjective

The output has to be supportable, reviewable and grounded in information that can actually survive scrutiny later.

— Arun Ramakrishnan, Forbes.com, 1 June 2026
Claims about artificial intelligence must be technically accurate, operationally supportable, and consistent with the company’s financial results.

— Perrie M. Weiner, Fortune, 23 Apr. 2026

Definition of supportable

Browse Nearby Words

empiric

empirical

empiricist

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“Empirical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/empirical. Accessed 27 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of empirical

adjective

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