1
as in developmental
made or done as an experiment
an experimental procedure for patients suffering from leukemia
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in empirical
based on observation or experience
asserted that experimental knowledge is vastly superior to idle speculation and theorizing
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of experimental
The people assigned to the experimental (the fasting) group did not eat for 13 to 16 hours, from dinner until breakfast the next day.
—
Julia Sullivan, Outside, 24 Feb. 2026
Novo last year paid $2 billion for the rights to a Chinese drugmaker’s experimental medicine, which works in the same way as Lilly’s upcoming treatment.
—Annika Kim Constantino, CNBC, 24 Feb. 2026
After two limited drops late last year, Crocs’ experimental Ripple shoe is finally getting a wider release date.
—Stephen Garner, Footwear News, 23 Feb. 2026
The new pathway’s name — plausible mechanism — is a reference to criteria FDA regulators will require before greenlighting any experimental therapies.
—CNN Money, 23 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for experimental
Julia Sullivan, Outside, 24 Feb. 2026
Novo last year paid $2 billion for the rights to a Chinese drugmaker’s experimental medicine, which works in the same way as Lilly’s upcoming treatment.
—Annika Kim Constantino, CNBC, 24 Feb. 2026
After two limited drops late last year, Crocs’ experimental Ripple shoe is finally getting a wider release date.
—Stephen Garner, Footwear News, 23 Feb. 2026
The new pathway’s name — plausible mechanism — is a reference to criteria FDA regulators will require before greenlighting any experimental therapies.
—CNN Money, 23 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for experimental
Recent Examples of Synonyms for experimental
Adjective
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If their offensive flow collapses without his secondary playmaking, that’s a developmental gap.—
Mike Bianchi,
The Orlando Sentinel,
21 Feb. 2026
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Today, therapy is framed less as a last resort and more as a developmental support.—
Beth Ann Mayer,
Parents,
20 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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The current danger is rooted in a fundamental disconnect between empirical data and public sentiment.—
Nick Lichtenberg,
Fortune,
24 Feb. 2026
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However, there is no empirical evidence to support this claim.—
Howard Blume,
Los Angeles Times,
19 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Advancements in ballistics analysis and cutting-edge DNA testing, combined with investigative genetic genealogy, were key to the breakthroughs, leading investigators across the country in their search for the serial killer and rapist.—
Julianna Duennes Russ,
Austin American Statesman,
27 Feb. 2026
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More high-quality child care options, as well as more education for parents and caregivers, might help prevent such deaths, said Jason Wynkoop, chief program officer for advocacy and investigative services for the Chicago Children’s Advocacy Center.—
Lisa Schencker,
Chicago Tribune,
27 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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The Loneliest Man is much more observational, following Cook through the creeping day-to-day routine of transforming his existence.—
Jordan Mintzer,
HollywoodReporter,
19 Feb. 2026
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By contrast with the work of other documentary filmmakers of similarly observational ardor, Depardon’s method is rugged.—
Richard Brody,
New Yorker,
19 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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And yet its thinking was hardly objective.—
Joshua Rothman,
New Yorker,
24 Feb. 2026
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Only a subset of people who were 70 or older and hadn’t had a stroke received the objective cognitive testing — which may not reveal the full picture around cognition.—
Tom Gavin,
EverydayHealth.com,
23 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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According to preliminary information, Shah Alam did not have shoes on, just orange booties from the detention center, when he was dropped off by agents, Ryan said.—
Alisha Ebrahimji,
CNN Money,
27 Feb. 2026
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Property owner Carol Lazier submitted a preliminary development application for Seaside Ridge, which includes 42 lower-income units and 43 moderate-income units, in October 2022.—
Luke Harold,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
27 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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The person sitting in the co-pilot seat was not qualified to perform second-in-command duties, according to the NTSB report.—
Joe Marusak,
Charlotte Observer,
31 Jan. 2026
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Prince Harry — who did two tours of duty in Afghanistan as an Army Air Corps co-pilot gunner — also responded to Trump, while not referring to the president by name.—
Chris Willman,
Variety,
24 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Experimental.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/experimental. Accessed 28 Feb. 2026.
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