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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Jennifer Smith Richards, ProPublica, 22 Oct. 2025
In January, Ripa brought up the hypothetical of them deciding to get divorced.
—Kimi Robinson, USA Today, 22 Oct. 2025
Aaron Dhaliwal, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025
Governor does not comment on hypotheticals, spokesman says DeWine's reticence on the guard question came a little more than a half hour into a press conference called to announce a new agreement for the state patrol to assist crime-fighting in Cincinnati.
—Patricia Gallagher Newberry, Cincinnati Enquirer, 10 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for hypothetical
Adjective
Those fears are not hypothetical; the state has revoked at least one teacher’s license and suspended two others’.
—Jennifer Smith Richards, ProPublica, 22 Oct. 2025
In January, Ripa brought up the hypothetical of them deciding to get divorced.
—Kimi Robinson, USA Today, 22 Oct. 2025
Noun
In construction, hiring often relies on regional knowledge, team dynamics and reputation—factors that structured dialogue or hypotheticals cannot capture effectively.
—Aaron Dhaliwal, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025
Governor does not comment on hypotheticals, spokesman says DeWine's reticence on the guard question came a little more than a half hour into a press conference called to announce a new agreement for the state patrol to assist crime-fighting in Cincinnati.
—Patricia Gallagher Newberry, Cincinnati Enquirer, 10 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for hypothetical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hypothetical
Noun
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How does a proactive vision and assumption of positive intent and regard change your behavior and possibly influence other people’s behaviors around you?—
Colin Bedell,
Them.,
28 Oct. 2025
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Whatever the assumptions, the discourse has certainly elevated the profile of the modest series, which is the last project produced by Norman Lear before his death.—
Katie Campione,
Deadline,
28 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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The overall message from Amazon reflected a familiar impulse in Corporate America to reduce headcount in the face of rising prices, an unpredictable trade war and a potential (though still largely speculative) artificial-intelligence revolution.—
Allison Morrow,
CNN Money,
28 Oct. 2025
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While federal grand juries operate in secrecy, any connection between their proceedings and political claims remains speculative unless confirmed by official sources.—
Robert Alexander,
MSNBC Newsweek,
27 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Professor of Science at Harvard University, recently made waves online for his theory that the interstellar comet has a 30% to 40% chance of being an artificial alien object sent to observe the solar system, Futurism reported.—
Jenna Prestininzi,
Freep.com,
29 Oct. 2025
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His theory is that while the opportunity in the digital space is booming, there is an industry shortage of skilled talent to capitalize.—
Jesse Whittock,
Deadline,
29 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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But You fans invested in a theoretical off-screen romance.—
Tommy McArdle,
PEOPLE,
27 Oct. 2025
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The risk for both Milei and Washington is not theoretical.—
Jesus Mesa,
MSNBC Newsweek,
26 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Capturing a moment under specific conditions can help validate a hypothesis or guide mission changes.—
Suzanne Wright,
USA Today,
29 Oct. 2025
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And so, in principle, there is always an alternative hypothesis that could explain the data.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
29 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Hypothetical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hypothetical. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.
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