as in theoretic
existing only as an assumption or speculation
we talked about what we would do in various hypothetical emergencies
Synonyms & Similar Words
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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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of hypothetical
Jessie Richards, The Conversation, 12 Sep. 2025
The question is no longer hypothetical.
—Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 10 Sep. 2025
Aaron Dhaliwal, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025
Governor does not comment on hypotheticals, spokesman says DeWine's reticence on the guard question came a little more than a half hour into a press conference called to announce a new agreement for the state patrol to assist crime-fighting in Cincinnati.
—Patricia Gallagher Newberry, Cincinnati Enquirer, 10 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for hypothetical
Adjective
While the Minnesotan moose is a hypothetical example, this worm has caused serious neurological impairments in many animals.
—Jessie Richards, The Conversation, 12 Sep. 2025
The question is no longer hypothetical.
—Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 10 Sep. 2025
Noun
In construction, hiring often relies on regional knowledge, team dynamics and reputation—factors that structured dialogue or hypotheticals cannot capture effectively.
—Aaron Dhaliwal, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025
Governor does not comment on hypotheticals, spokesman says DeWine's reticence on the guard question came a little more than a half hour into a press conference called to announce a new agreement for the state patrol to assist crime-fighting in Cincinnati.
—Patricia Gallagher Newberry, Cincinnati Enquirer, 10 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for hypothetical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hypothetical
Noun
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Success comes from choosing intentionally based on individual goals, financial circumstances, and career objectives rather than following outdated assumptions about what career preparation requires.—
Sarah Hernholm,
Forbes.com,
17 Sep. 2025
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Contrary to popular assumptions, children experiencing food insecurity do not necessarily appear underweight.—
Oona Hanson,
CNN Money,
16 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Overreaction to speculative news remains a significant risk to investors.—
Dryden Pence,
Forbes.com,
16 Sep. 2025
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Any financial instruments mentioned herein are speculative in nature and may involve risk to principal and interest.—
Katie Stockton,
CNBC,
15 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Climate risk doesn’t live in theory.—
Sophia Mendelsohn,
Forbes.com,
17 Sep. 2025
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The Florida Department of Education argued that HB 1069 is protected by Florida’s First Amendment right of government speech, a legal theory that the government has the right to prevent any opposing views to its own in schools or any government platform.—
James B. Blasingame,
The Conversation,
17 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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That volume of data is impractical to fit theoretical models to deliver large-scale, accurate predictions.—
Robert Lea,
Space.com,
16 Sep. 2025
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The material enhances performance The team elucidated the material’s mechanism through a series of experimental analyses, including solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (ssNMR) spectroscopy, electron spin resonance (EPR) spectroscopy, and theoretical calculations.—
Mrigakshi Dixit,
Interesting Engineering,
16 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Scientists had found geological evidence that supported the Snowball Earth hypothesis.—
Gregory Barber,
Quanta Magazine,
15 Sep. 2025
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Ten years after scientists observed gravitational waves for the first time, confirming Albert Einstein’s then century-old prediction, new data confirmed another renowned physicist’s seminal hypothesis.—
Tom Chivers,
semafor.com,
14 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Hypothetical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hypothetical. Accessed 19 Sep. 2025.
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