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
Chad Waddoups, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2025
To test their hypothesis, the researchers modeled a hypothetical magnitude 3.0 moonquake along the Lee-Lincoln fault, which runs directly through the Apollo 17 landing site.
—Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 4 Aug. 2025
But why not see what could potentially be out there in a hypothetical scenario?
—Jon MacHota, New York Times, 2 Aug. 2025
An Einstein-Rosen bridge is a hypothetical, yet unproven, feature of spacetime.
—Madison Dapcevich, Discover Magazine, 1 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for hypothetical
Adjective
The examples provided are hypothetical situations based on real-life examples.
—Chad Waddoups, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2025
To test their hypothesis, the researchers modeled a hypothetical magnitude 3.0 moonquake along the Lee-Lincoln fault, which runs directly through the Apollo 17 landing site.
—Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 4 Aug. 2025
But why not see what could potentially be out there in a hypothetical scenario?
—Jon MacHota, New York Times, 2 Aug. 2025
An Einstein-Rosen bridge is a hypothetical, yet unproven, feature of spacetime.
—Madison Dapcevich, Discover Magazine, 1 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for hypothetical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hypothetical
Noun
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In early discovery, speed helps teams test assumptions and surface flaws quickly.—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes.com,
14 Aug. 2025
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For years, Fort Worth ISD had asked those staffers to focus on helping teachers improve their teaching skills, with the assumption that better instruction — and, therefore, higher test scores — would follow.—
Silas Allen,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
14 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Or a business model potentially based on selling unregistered securities in a highly volatile and speculative financial ecosystem.—
Allison Morrow,
CNN Money,
6 Aug. 2025
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Palantir earnings reaction will be a tell for the speculative crowd.—
Michael Santoli,
CNBC,
4 Aug. 2025
Noun
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Cooper Neill/Getty Images What To Know Swift's fans have been buzzing with excitement and theories following the pop superstar's announcement earlier this week, but one theory in particular is gaining ground with her fan base.—
Marni Rose McFall,
MSNBC Newsweek,
16 Aug. 2025
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These are just theories whereas the temperature modification can actually be measured.—
Chris McKeown,
The Enquirer,
16 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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This score reflects real-world usage rather than theoretical task analysis.—
Caroline Castrillon,
Forbes.com,
7 Aug. 2025
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The resulting mysteries and their solutions only get more creative once the gang is back together, even dipping into theoretical science and thought experiments as the basis of his mind-bending stories.—
Kambole Campbell,
Vulture,
28 July 2025
Noun
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Today on the show, host Regina G. Barber talks to freelance science journalist Diana Kwon about the latest research on stress and aging, including a new hypothesis for how your brain handles aging — and what science could do about all of it.—
Berly McCoy,
NPR,
5 Aug. 2025
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And, in fact, analyzing it—along with other hypotheses—was one of DESI’s goals.—
Sarah Scoles,
JSTOR Daily,
31 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Hypothetical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hypothetical. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025.
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