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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of hypothetical
Christine Condon, Baltimore Sun, 20 Apr. 2025
In a hypothetical head-to-head match-up with Harris, 54 percent backed the former vice president and 34 percent backed Booker.
Booker and Harris both made unsuccessful primary bids during the 2020 campaign season.
—Tara Suter, The Hill, 15 Apr. 2025
That 10-spot jump is not that much different than the 13 spots the Steelers would be moving up in a hypothetical trade with the Panthers, which might get more in return with a quarterback involved.
—Joseph Person, New York Times, 14 Apr. 2025
Not in some hypothetical future—but right now, in workflows that have long resisted automation.
—Don Muir, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for hypothetical
Adjective
But the department has yet to open an investigation focused on something like classroom speech, Kambli said, so the educators’ fears are only hypothetical in nature.
—Christine Condon, Baltimore Sun, 20 Apr. 2025
In a hypothetical head-to-head match-up with Harris, 54 percent backed the former vice president and 34 percent backed Booker.
Booker and Harris both made unsuccessful primary bids during the 2020 campaign season.
—Tara Suter, The Hill, 15 Apr. 2025
That 10-spot jump is not that much different than the 13 spots the Steelers would be moving up in a hypothetical trade with the Panthers, which might get more in return with a quarterback involved.
—Joseph Person, New York Times, 14 Apr. 2025
Not in some hypothetical future—but right now, in workflows that have long resisted automation.
—Don Muir, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for hypothetical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hypothetical
Noun
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The three-time Pro Bowler’s placement on this list is operating under the assumption that Andrews is content remaining with the Ravens and hasn’t become disenchanted with all of the trade speculation and criticism he’s gotten for how Baltimore’s 2024 season ended.—
Jeff Zrebiec,
New York Times,
28 Apr. 2025
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This method forces teams to rethink their assumptions and explore unconventional angles.—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes.com,
28 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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First, because our common narrative framework depends on the past, many people still consider warming through a speculative lens, failing to recognize the severity, and urgency, of superstorms and sea-level rise.—
Heather Hansman,
The Atlantic,
22 Apr. 2025
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However, the speculative bubble, which saw a surfeit of product land on the market, needs to be addressed.—
Lily Templeton,
Footwear News,
17 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Terrain theory applied Terrain theory's clash with reality has become painfully apparent amid Kennedy's handling—or more accurately, mishandling—of the current measles situation in the US.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
30 Apr. 2025
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Carney and Sheinbaum offer an opportunity to test a different theory.—
Justin Worland,
Time,
30 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Indeed, the risk of diversion from Plaintiff's sales is more than theoretical—the government can prove that Plaintiff actually sold LSD to a minor as well as an undercover officer.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
25 Apr. 2025
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Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur, for example, can yet orchestrate a theoretical swing of close to £12million ($16m), a significant sum for those requiring summer rebuilds on finite resources.—
Philip Buckingham,
New York Times,
25 Apr. 2025
Noun
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My central hypothesis is that true AGI can only be achieved when AI learns continuously, flexibly adapting its understanding in real time rather than relying solely on large-scale, one-time training sessions.—
Yusuf Sar,
Forbes.com,
23 Apr. 2025
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In one chapter, Pember explores epigenetic research into trauma, the hypothesis that trauma responses might be inherited even without changes in the DNA sequence.—
Charles Arrowsmith,
Los Angeles Times,
21 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Hypothetical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hypothetical. Accessed 4 May. 2025.
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