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
Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 6 Apr. 2026
The anxiety is no longer hypothetical.
—Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 5 Apr. 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
For instance, later in the film, the editing team had stood up both the scene of the couple confronting their DJ (Sydney Lemmon) about potential drug use and the scene of Charlie giving his coworker, Misha (Hailey Benton Gates), Emma’s story as a hypothetical.
—Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 6 Apr. 2026
The anxiety is no longer hypothetical.
—Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 5 Apr. 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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Moreover, according to the researchers, their technique works even when there is no perfect theoretical model of the material, and the sample is not pure (which is often the case in real-world materials).—
Rupendra Brahambhatt,
Interesting Engineering,
11 Apr. 2026
-
This week, that scenario started to feel less theoretical.—
Kevin Collier,
NBC news,
11 Apr. 2026
Noun
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The cut is purportedly because of an assumption that online classes cost less than in-person classes, but was introduced at the last minute, with no data to support the claim.—
Jill Penn,
AJC.com,
8 Apr. 2026
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Likewise, Dutcher is operating under the assumption that those not in the portal on Tuesday intend to return; SDSU officials are finalizing revenue-sharing contracts with them.—
Mark Zeigler,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
8 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Without that information, conclusions about feasibility are at best speculative.—
Charles Rilli,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
10 Apr. 2026
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When speculative trades piled in, Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines and Malaysia were forced to abandon their currency pegs, triggering cascading defaults and deep economic contractions that were worsened by International Monetary Fund austerity programs.—
Anniek Bao,Lee Ying Shan,
CNBC,
9 Apr. 2026
Noun
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An alternative theory is that Vermeer employed one of his daughters, Maria, as the model.—
Anthony Lane,
New Yorker,
13 Apr. 2026
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Nichols was ready to share with jurors his theory of what happened to Kim Langwell the evening she was murdered.—
Peter Van Sant,
CBS News,
12 Apr. 2026
Noun
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What is emerging is a picture of an artist of profound mathematical acuity, who mobilized geometric, sequential, and modular forms to test hypotheses on interrelation, regeneration, and evolution in pursuit of mystical revelation.—
Katherine Rochester,
Artforum,
1 Apr. 2026
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His method of intellectual humility is to admit ignorance, test variables and revise working hypotheses based on new data, staying open to suggestions from others the whole time.—
Deana L. Weibel,
The Conversation,
31 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Hypothetical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hypothetical. Accessed 14 Apr. 2026.
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