variants
also empiric
1
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
2
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
But a new, experimental blood test developed by researchers at Duke Health and the University of Minnesota might someday provide empirical clues — at least in the sense of short-term survival.
—
Scott Lafee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Apr. 2026
Games of chance reflect the invention of a cultural technology that’s the direct ancestor of all of modern statistics—and all of empirical science.
—Joseph Howlett, Scientific American, 2 Apr. 2026
That's a bold claim, and one that needs a lot more empirical detail than the company laid out in its press release.
—Abhimanyu Ghoshal, New Atlas, 28 Mar. 2026
For years, Republican lawmakers and education leaders have argued that sociology — especially high-enrollment introductory courses — has been overtaken by progressive ideology and strayed from empirical scholarship.
—Garrett Shanley, Miami Herald, 26 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for empirical
Scott Lafee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Apr. 2026
Games of chance reflect the invention of a cultural technology that’s the direct ancestor of all of modern statistics—and all of empirical science.
—Joseph Howlett, Scientific American, 2 Apr. 2026
That's a bold claim, and one that needs a lot more empirical detail than the company laid out in its press release.
—Abhimanyu Ghoshal, New Atlas, 28 Mar. 2026
For years, Republican lawmakers and education leaders have argued that sociology — especially high-enrollment introductory courses — has been overtaken by progressive ideology and strayed from empirical scholarship.
—Garrett Shanley, Miami Herald, 26 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for empirical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for empirical
Adjective
-
This observational power is crucial for gathering the data needed to calibrate eruptive mass loss.—
Paul Sutter,
Space.com,
3 May 2026
-
While the mission was designed with dark energy, dark matter, and exoplanets in mind, Roman’s unprecedented observational capability will offer practically limitless opportunities for astronomers to explore all kinds of cosmic topics.—
Richard Tribou,
The Orlando Sentinel,
1 May 2026
Adjective
-
An annual Impact Report that covers the full picture—from traceability and supply chain transparency to progress on materials, carbon and chemical management—is one way the brand provides a clear and verifiable view into its business.—
Angela Velasquez,
Footwear News,
27 Apr. 2026
-
In several cases, no verifiable matches were found.—
Albinson Linares,
NBC news,
26 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
The network discontinued its long-standing school report cards, which had provided leaders with an objective measure of their schools’ quality, including not only student outcomes but also staff and student satisfaction.—
Steven F. Wilson,
The Atlantic,
24 Apr. 2026
-
In the 21st century, venues for opinionated public affairs content have proliferated in all forms of media, even those traditionally reserved for objective news.—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
23 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
His perspective reflects a broader shift in expectations, where credibility is no longer established through messaging alone but through demonstrable outcomes.—
Jason Phillips,
USA Today,
22 Apr. 2026
-
Noem was removed from her position following demonstrable failures in her management of the Department of Homeland Security, including misrepresenting a $220 million advertising campaign to Congress and inadequate emergency response coordination.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
5 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
As an experimental device, ITER will not generate electricity for the commercial grid.—
Aman Tripathi,
Interesting Engineering,
29 Apr. 2026
-
One is more of an experimental half-hour comedy.—
Jennifer Maas,
Variety,
29 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Given the Restaurants are all in various stages, the timelines for each are not confirmable at this time.—
Kelli Arseneau,
jsonline.com,
14 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
When a career is tied entirely to a single algorithmic feed, every platform change becomes existential.—
Stephanie Hind,
Rolling Stone,
1 May 2026
-
In Moby Dick, Wilson cleaves to the story’s central existential quest, evoking the strangeness and humor of his source material through his own unmistakable landscapes.—
Sara Holdren,
Vulture,
1 May 2026
Adjective
-
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
Cite this Entry
“Empirical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/empirical. Accessed 6 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
