Synonyms of hypothetical

hypothetical 1 of 2

adjective

ˌhī-pə-ˈthe-ti-kəl 

as in theoretical

existing only as an assumption or speculation

we talked about what we would do in various hypothetical emergencies

Synonyms & Similar Words

• theoretical
• speculative
• conjectural
• suppositional
• academic
• alleged
• proposed
• conceptual
• presumed
• abstract
• unproven
• assumed
• metaphysical
• moot
• unproved
• debatable
• supposed
• untested
• intellectual
• presupposed
• nonclinical
• nonempirical
• nonpractical

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• actual
• real
• factual
• practical
• clinical
• concrete
• definite
• distinct
• defined
• demonstrated
• confirmed
• empirical
• observational
• tested
• proven
• validated
• substantiated
• established
• authenticated
• verified
• attested
• time-tested
• nontheoretical
• nonspeculative

hypothetical

2 of 2

noun

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

• assumption
• theory
• hypothesis
• premise
• belief
• postulate
• given
• presupposition
• presumption
• supposition
• if
• proposition
• principle
• assertion
• thesis
• basis
• axiom
• doctrine
• inference
• conclusion
• truism
• law
• rule
• standard
• gospel
• dogma
• declaration
• tenet
• precept
• deduction
• foundation
• canon
• affirmation
• dictum
• verity
• ground
• avouchment
• ipse dixit

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of hypothetical

Adjective

Justices posed various hypothetical questions throughout and, at times, got into tense lines of questioning while trying to understand the attorneys’ arguments and what previous cases reflect about this one. — Becca Savransky, Idaho Statesman, 30 June 2026

China has ratcheted up pressure on Tokyo after comments by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi in November that a hypothetical Chinese attack on Taiwan could trigger a military response from Tokyo, which drew criticism from Beijing. — Anniek Bao, CNBC, 29 June 2026

Noun

The hypothetical of Jerry Jones striking deals in New York, Chicago and other major cities might prove true, but whether that covers all markets and whether other owners would do the same are all question marks. — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 9 Apr. 2026

The conservative justices peppered Stewart with hypotheticals. — Arkansas Online, 24 Mar. 2026