as in theoretic
existing only as an assumption or speculation
we talked about what we would do in various hypothetical emergencies
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in assumption
something taken as being true or factual and used as a starting point for a course of action or reasoning
believes that predictions of the extinction of certain species as the result of global warming are based upon too many hypotheticals
Synonyms & Similar Words
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 hypothetical
Gerry Regep, Chicago Tribune, 5 May 2025
But 80 years to the week after American and European allies forced the surrender of Nazi Germany, a future in which the continent is left alone to defend itself from the Russian menace is no longer hypothetical.
—Rob Picheta, CNN Money, 5 May 2025
This means that your family and friends could use your Goby to explore the expansive Lego village in your basement, as just one hypothetical example.
—New Atlas, 28 Apr. 2025
These aren’t hypothetical scenarios, but active use cases in pilot programs around the world.
—Kolawole Samuel Adebayo, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for hypothetical
Adjective
The question remains: Can a university truly be a marketplace of ideas if a professor risks being sanctioned for using hypothetical scenarios that reflect the messy, uncomfortable realities their students may face?
—Gerry Regep, Chicago Tribune, 5 May 2025
But 80 years to the week after American and European allies forced the surrender of Nazi Germany, a future in which the continent is left alone to defend itself from the Russian menace is no longer hypothetical.
—Rob Picheta, CNN Money, 5 May 2025
This means that your family and friends could use your Goby to explore the expansive Lego village in your basement, as just one hypothetical example.
—New Atlas, 28 Apr. 2025
These aren’t hypothetical scenarios, but active use cases in pilot programs around the world.
—Kolawole Samuel Adebayo, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for hypothetical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hypothetical
Noun
-
The three-time Pro Bowler’s placement on this list is operating under the assumption that Andrews is content remaining with the Ravens and hasn’t become disenchanted with all of the trade speculation and criticism he’s gotten for how Baltimore’s 2024 season ended.—
Jeff Zrebiec,
New York Times,
28 Apr. 2025
-
This method forces teams to rethink their assumptions and explore unconventional angles.—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes.com,
28 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
What was once speculative technology is now steadily reshaping patient care.—
Matt Robison,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 May 2025
-
Funding and Sustainability Challenges Many DAOs rely on token inflation or speculative interest for funding, which can be volatile and unsustainable.—
Chrissa McFarlane,
Forbes.com,
1 May 2025
Noun
-
Carney and Sheinbaum offer an opportunity to test a different theory.—
Justin Worland,
Time,
30 Apr. 2025
-
Terrain theory applied Terrain theory's clash with reality has become painfully apparent amid Kennedy's handling—or more accurately, mishandling—of the current measles situation in the US.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
30 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
But to sacrifice Negan to The Dama in theoretical perpetuity?—
Charlie Mason,
TVLine,
5 May 2025
-
And none of us could have imagined that our theoretical models would fit the data so well.—
Ashley Strickland,
CNN Money,
3 May 2025
Noun
-
That’s the hypothesis: people first, systems second.—
Dan Gardner,
Forbes.com,
1 May 2025
-
In the light of their findings, the researchers have two hypotheses that might explain Vesta's true identity.—
Tom Rogers,
MSNBC Newsweek,
29 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Hypothetical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hypothetical. Accessed 13 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share