NONEMPIRICAL Synonyms: 50 Similar and Opposite Words

nonempirical

adjective

Definition of nonempirical

as in theoretical

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of nonempirical The enforcement of such nonempirical standards as taste and judgment implies a kind of cultural and aesthetic hierarchy that Silicon Valley’s ruling class embraces ruthlessly but will never admit to countenancing. — Kevin D. Williamson, National Review, 20 Oct. 2019 Each story represents a fresh challenge of how to say things in a nonempirical way. — Hilton Als, The New Yorker, 24 June 2018

Recent Examples of Synonyms for nonempirical

Adjective

The Virgo Moon moves through your 2nd House of Resources, making spending, pricing, comfort, and self-worth feel more practical than theoretical.

— Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 14 Aug. 2026
The public comments came shortly after Fauci had privately raised the theoretical possibility that fever and cytokine-related reactions after a second vaccine dose could be associated with first-trimester miscarriage.

— Sophia Compton, FOXNews.com, 11 Aug. 2026

Definition of theoretical

Adjective

Now, the former governor of the state of Guerrero has been formally charged over his alleged involvement, after a judge ruled that Mexico’s attorney general had sufficient evidence to proceed.

— Harriet Marsden, TheWeek, 17 Aug. 2026
Conviser also accused the school’s then-athletic director Jean Lenti Ponsetto—Eugene Lenti’s sister—of protecting him from a Title IX investigation into his alleged misconduct.

— Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 17 Aug. 2026

Definition of alleged

Adjective

In a hypothetical head-to-head matchup as seen in a survey from the University of North Florida, Donalds is leading Jolly by 5 points.

— David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 16 Aug. 2026
Senhu Wang and Heejung Chung found that managers rate remote workers worse on commitment, productivity, team spirit and promotion opportunities, even when the hypothetical employees worked remotely only two to three days per week.

— Gleb Tsipursky, Washington Post, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of hypothetical

Adjective

Primary contractor Raytheon and partner Composite Energy Technology (CET) developed HADALUS in under 18 months from conceptual sketch to functioning prototype.

— David Szondy August 17, New Atlas, 17 Aug. 2026
Though not outright as conceptual as its predecessors, La Nueva Violencia leaves room to ponder celebrity overexposure and the mind-warping effects of the content age.

— Richard Villegas, Rolling Stone, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of conceptual

Adjective

Her work often blends documentary research with speculative fiction to explore technology, institutions, and cultural memory.

— Daniel Cassady, ARTnews.com, 13 Aug. 2026
Many millennial and Gen Z collectors also view collector cars as speculative trades rather than long-term stores of value.

— Robert Frank, CNBC, 13 Aug. 2026

Definition of speculative

Adjective

The Irish will always be able to run the ball, but without those two cheat codes, more pressure falls on Carr and another group of unproven receivers to make chunk plays.

— Ralph D. Russo, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026
The offense is filled with playmakers, although the team’s usual strength is the most unproven group on that side of the ball.

— Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 16 Aug. 2026

Definition of unproven

Adjective

But Starship still must demonstrate multiple unproved capabilities that are crucial to NASA’s plans—such as the in-space refueling, via multiple launches, that’s required for sending the vehicle out of low-Earth orbit to the moon.

— Lee Billings, Scientific American, 29 May 2026
When gambling becomes the norm, taking risks in unproved investment channels start to look reasonable.

— Kyle Chayka, New Yorker, 20 May 2026

Definition of unproved

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“Nonempirical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nonempirical. Accessed 19 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of nonempirical

adjective

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