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
Elena Moore, NPR, 7 May 2026
Our hypothetical ambitious fifteen-year-old is exceptional, of course, and certainly not the bellwether for today’s disaffection about higher education.
—Jay Caspian Kang, New Yorker, 5 May 2026
James L. Edwards Iii, New York Times, 2 Mar. 2026
No more leaning on hypotheticals.
—Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 21 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for hypothetical
Adjective
While both ideas are hypothetical — neither is being seriously considered by Congress — support for each cuts across many backgrounds and party lines.
—Elena Moore, NPR, 7 May 2026
Our hypothetical ambitious fifteen-year-old is exceptional, of course, and certainly not the bellwether for today’s disaffection about higher education.
—Jay Caspian Kang, New Yorker, 5 May 2026
Noun
If hypotheticals about what could have been are a good dream for New York Knicks fans, then Mikal Bridges is the alarm clock that startles them awake.
—James L. Edwards Iii, New York Times, 2 Mar. 2026
No more leaning on hypotheticals.
—Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 21 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for hypothetical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hypothetical
Adjective
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These proposals rely heavily on theoretical risk models, selective interpretation of data and precautionary assumptions rather than demonstrated real-world patterns of harm sufficient to justify criminalization.—
Teri Sforza,
Oc Register,
8 May 2026
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This entry introduces the concept of media dependency through one of the most influential theories, the media dependency system model, and its relation to other theoretical frameworks such as uses and gratifications theory and the power dependency model.—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
8 May 2026
Noun
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And that assumption is likely to drive mortgage interest rates higher, even with the central bank not scheduled to meet again until mid-June.—
Matt Richardson,
CBS News,
13 May 2026
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Federal policy must reflect current exposure patterns rather than outdated assumptions.—
Anthony Nicome,
STAT,
13 May 2026
Adjective
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Like other collectible alternative assets, such as fine art, rare watches and classic cars, cask investing is a high-risk, speculative, long-term bet on a largely unregulated, illiquid asset.—
Hugh Leask,
CNBC,
9 May 2026
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Plans by Becknell are to build the speculative structure, to be called Northwind North Business Park, and utilize it for light industrial businesses to rent.—
Deborah Laverty,
Chicago Tribune,
8 May 2026
Noun
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But with the arrival of the next course, bread and butter, I was forced to revise my theory.—
Helen Rosner,
New Yorker,
10 May 2026
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The landfill theory made some birding enthusiasts uneasy and prompted some authorities, locals and others to defend Ushuaia, a city of nearly 85,000 that draws tourists to its Antarctic cruise ships and abundant, watchworthy bird population.—
Marlene Lenthang,
NBC news,
10 May 2026
Noun
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Though Descalzo cautioned that the possible role of saunas in transmission is still just a hypothesis, the bacterium is known to spread more efficiently in humid settings.—
Helen Branswell,
STAT,
11 May 2026
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The hypothesis was that if the aye-aye relied purely on hollow resonance, then the filling inside the cavities should have disrupted its ability to identify them.—
Scott Travers,
Forbes.com,
10 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Hypothetical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hypothetical. Accessed 16 May. 2026.
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