as in theoretical
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
Robert Schmad, The Washington Examiner, 2 Jan. 2026
Takaichi angered China by giving a hypothetical example of such a situation, a deviation from former leaders’ strategic ambiguity.
—Mari Yamaguchi, Los Angeles Times, 31 Dec. 2025
Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 20 Oct. 2025
The narrative too often focuses on headlines and hypotheticals, rather than on structure, incentives, and outcomes.
—Dave Smith, Fortune, 17 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for hypothetical
Adjective
Such a possibility is far from being a mere hypothetical.
—Robert Schmad, The Washington Examiner, 2 Jan. 2026
Takaichi angered China by giving a hypothetical example of such a situation, a deviation from former leaders’ strategic ambiguity.
—Mari Yamaguchi, Los Angeles Times, 31 Dec. 2025
Noun
Bell might also question those billionaires and pose hypotheticals to gauge their reactions.
—Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 20 Oct. 2025
The narrative too often focuses on headlines and hypotheticals, rather than on structure, incentives, and outcomes.
—Dave Smith, Fortune, 17 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for hypothetical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hypothetical
Adjective
-
In solving an 80-year-old chemical mystery, the researchers have not only answered a long-standing theoretical question but also expanded the toolbox of modern chemistry.—
Prabhat Ranjan Mishra,
Interesting Engineering,
8 Jan. 2026
-
Beat writer Lauren Williams walks us through a few theoretical trades here.—
Tyler Estep,
AJC.com,
7 Jan. 2026
Noun
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As the video spread, viewers flooded the comments with advice, concern and assumptions about her daily life.—
Ashley Vega,
PEOPLE,
8 Jan. 2026
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Similar to fellow Arsenal summer signing Eberechi Eze — another keen chess player — the assumption would be that the skills taken from the board game have helped Zubimendi be a step ahead in enticing and then bypassing opposition players.—
Thom Harris,
New York Times,
7 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Forecasting revenues over a 99-year period stretches credibility, as economic models typically lose reliability within five years, making century-long projections speculative at best.—
Michelle Grau,
Sun Sentinel,
7 Jan. 2026
-
Government lawyers urged the court to dismiss the case, arguing no specific plaintiff has faced deportation or visa revocation and that any harm is speculative.—
Ryan Macasero,
Mercury News,
6 Jan. 2026
Noun
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The special explores theories about why the thieves targeted specific displays, who orchestrated this brazen operation and which fatal flaws in their plan ultimately led to their capture.—
Peter White,
Deadline,
5 Nov. 2025
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The showgirl theory also holds in that fashion diapers seem to have taken off almost only among celebrities.—
Julie Beck,
The Atlantic,
5 Nov. 2025
Noun
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Additional tests of the hypothesis are likely to follow.—
Ian Randall,
MSNBC Newsweek,
6 Nov. 2025
-
This is known as the photoprotection hypothesis.—
Nell Greenfieldboyce,
NPR,
5 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Hypothetical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hypothetical. Accessed 9 Jan. 2026.
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