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
Dac Collins, Outdoor Life, 8 Jan. 2026
That doesn’t mean back channel, hypothetical conversations didn’t happen because that’s how the NFL, if not all of professional sports, works.
—Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 8 Jan. 2026
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
Because there are no free-roaming bison herds established in Colorado, this new management tool is, in some ways, a hypothetical one.
—Dac Collins, Outdoor Life, 8 Jan. 2026
That doesn’t mean back channel, hypothetical conversations didn’t happen because that’s how the NFL, if not all of professional sports, works.
—Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 8 Jan. 2026
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
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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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Scientists have uncovered a previously unthinkable state of matter that challenges decades of assumptions about how electrons behave, opening novel possibilities for quantum computing, sensing and advanced materials.—
Georgina Jedikovska,
Interesting Engineering,
14 Jan. 2026
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Most importantly, the reader’s assumptions have changed.—
JD Barker,
Rolling Stone,
14 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
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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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Those are, indeed, pat, credible theories and predictions.—
Théoden Janes,
Charlotte Observer,
8 Jan. 2026
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But now, in the planet’s capital city of Apperax, a murder is committed with no suspects, forensics or theories.—
Aaron Couch,
HollywoodReporter,
8 Jan. 2026
Noun
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The story of the Platonic representation hypothesis paper began in early 2023, a turbulent time for AI researchers.—
Ben Brubaker,
Quanta Magazine,
7 Jan. 2026
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Furthermore, Jie said that laboratory simulations support the hypothesis that the majority of the surface regolith inside Shackleton Crater is conducive to the stable preservation of water ice.—
Leonard David,
Space.com,
6 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Hypothetical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hypothetical. Accessed 17 Jan. 2026.
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