as in theoretic
existing only as an assumption or speculation
we talked about what we would do in various hypothetical emergencies
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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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Recent Examples of hypothetical
Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 26 June 2025
In recent years, a curious hypothetical particle called the axion, invented to address challenging problems with the strong nuclear force, has emerged as a leading candidate to explain dark matter.
—ArsTechnica, 25 June 2025
Still, Newsom's handling of the protests has earned praise from many Democrats, and the latest poll finds that his support against other hypothetical candidates has ticked up since March.
—Andrew Stanton, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 June 2025
Polling of a hypothetical election matchup for lieutenant governor shows Republican incumbent Dan Patrick leading Democratic state Representative Vikki Goodwin, 46 percent to 42 percent.
—Nick Mordowanec, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for hypothetical
Adjective
The Heat would need to absorb additional salaries (Vincent or Kleiber) in that hypothetical transaction, with Wiggins due to make $28.2 million next season.
—Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 26 June 2025
In recent years, a curious hypothetical particle called the axion, invented to address challenging problems with the strong nuclear force, has emerged as a leading candidate to explain dark matter.
—ArsTechnica, 25 June 2025
Still, Newsom's handling of the protests has earned praise from many Democrats, and the latest poll finds that his support against other hypothetical candidates has ticked up since March.
—Andrew Stanton, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 June 2025
Polling of a hypothetical election matchup for lieutenant governor shows Republican incumbent Dan Patrick leading Democratic state Representative Vikki Goodwin, 46 percent to 42 percent.
—Nick Mordowanec, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for hypothetical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hypothetical
Noun
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Those pages are a garbled mess, and Thomas spends much of them starting from the assumption that his conclusions are true.—
Ian Millhiser,
Vox,
27 June 2025
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However, that was based on the assumption that the district would receive $300 million in additional funding from the state or the city, which hasn’t materialized.—
Kate Armanini,
Chicago Tribune,
27 June 2025
Adjective
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Even with the recent resurgence in speculative stocks, the Schwab US Large-Cap Value ETF (SCHV), is outperforming its growth sibling, the Schwab US Large-Cap Growth ETF (SCHG) +8.35% versus +4.34% year-to-date.—
James Berman,
Forbes.com,
2 July 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,
30 June 2025
Noun
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Under unitary executive theory, there are few exceptions to the president’s authority.—
Naomi Lim,
The Washington Examiner,
28 June 2025
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During May 15 oral arguments, none of the justices voiced support for the Trump administration’s theory that the president’s order is consistent with the 14th Amendment’s citizenship clause and past Supreme Court decisions about that provision.—
Sara Chernikoff,
USA Today,
28 June 2025
Adjective
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Final Approach The consequences are no longer theoretical.—
Emil Sayegh,
Forbes.com,
6 July 2025
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For the first time in decades, the question of succession is no longer theoretical.—
Pegah Banihashemi,
Twin Cities,
2 July 2025
Noun
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Failing to test hypotheses via incremental launches and skipping milestone checks risks prioritizing activity over impact, wasting resources on features customers may not value or use rather than driving meaningful innovation.—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2025
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In the search for extraterrestrial life, much like climate change, there is a detection and attribution phase, which requires the robust testing of hypotheses and also rigorous scrutiny.—
Oliver Swainston,
Space.com,
28 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Hypothetical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hypothetical. Accessed 10 Jul. 2025.
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