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

Three years later, with AI far more capable, the question is no longer hypothetical. — John Nay, Fortune, 14 July 2026

In the Green New Deal discussion, though, this hypothetical meat ban effectively functioned as metaphorical shortcut for progressive political overreach. — David Rooney, The Conversation, 10 July 2026

Noun

Families confronting complicated pregnancies are living through painful, high-stakes situations — not policy hypotheticals. — Robin Sautter, Washington Post, 18 Apr. 2026

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