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 But extrapolating from limited empirical studies paints a grim picture. — Charlie Campbell, Time, 20 July 2026 When the director of a passion play offered to nail Bautista to a cross in the name of empirical authenticity, the anthropologist declined. — H.m.a. Leow, JSTOR Daily, 10 July 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for empirical

Recent Examples of Synonyms for empirical

Adjective

Mendelian randomization can reduce some sources of bias that affect conventional observational research.

— The Conversation US, Scientific American, 8 Aug. 2026
However, given the legal limitations, studies like the Stanford one are observational and limited to small groups, and the science behind ibogaine’s supposedly miraculous workings remains thin.

— Michelle Lhooq, New Yorker, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of observational

Adjective

Without verifiable identifiers, organizations risk a proliferation of unauthenticated agents, fragmented brand presence and diminished accountability across digital interactions.

— Matt Overman, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026
His 2023 book chronicles that the worldwide movement for such structures is not just feel-good environmentalism but based on verifiable research that demonstrates efficacy and benefits.

— The Christian Science Monitor, Christian Science Monitor, 6 Aug. 2026

Definition of verifiable

Adjective

The article highlights how the digital age and creator economy have rendered traditional qualifications insufficient, shifting value from scarce degrees to demonstrable skills and personal branding.

— Alli Kushner, Forbes.com, 29 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

Sinkule says the first recipients of the experimental therapy should be scheduled before the end of the year, and that the treatment is roughly two and a half years away from market.

— Mark Ellwood, Robb Report, 9 Aug. 2026
Tarr’s scheme was an international, experimental doctoral school for film studies that ran from 2013 to 2017 in the Bosnian capital.

— Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 7 Aug. 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

As a thought leader in existential psychology and human motivation, Clay translates research into practical insights that help people reach their full potential, build meaningful lives, and advance human progress and flourishing.

— Big Think, Big Think, 6 Aug. 2026
Pro-Kremlin politicians accuse the West of trying to destabilise Russia and say that some censorship is necessary to safeguard national unity at a time when Moscow is locked in an existential struggle with Ukraine and the West.

— Reuters, CNN Money, 4 Aug. 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 11 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of empirical

adjective

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