nonempirical

adjective

Definition of nonempiricalnext
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
  1. theoretical
  2. alleged
  3. hypothetical
  4. conceptual
  5. speculative
  6. unproven
  7. unproved
  8. presumed
Adjective
  • But each alternative scenario encountered insurmountable theoretical limitations.
    — Robert Lea, Space.com, 29 July 2026
  • Each count of wire fraud also carries a theoretical maximum of 20 years in prison.
    — Gene Maddaus, Variety, 29 July 2026
Definition of theoretical
Adjective
  • The sheriff’s office’s Criminal Investigations Division began investigating Carroll on July 17 after receiving a report of the alleged crime.
    — Brie Stimson, FOXNews.com, 2 Aug. 2026
  • The Vans Warped Tour did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment on the alleged incident.
    — Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 2 Aug. 2026
Definition of alleged
Adjective
  • Concerns around a hypothetical future patchwork shouldn’t prevent action today.
    — Caleb Knapp, Fortune, 3 Aug. 2026
  • For a standard Republican candidate, a hypothetical best-case scenario is a respectable loss in November.
    — Dain Fitzgerald, The Washington Examiner, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of hypothetical
Adjective
  • Handwritten notes can lead students to perform better on questions requiring conceptual understanding, when compared to students typing on laptops.
    — James Davis, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026
  • To that point, the Administrative Procedure Act, which requires that agency actions observe procedural requirements, generally applies to final agency actions—not tentative or merely conceptual ones.
    — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of conceptual
Adjective
  • This technique, known as speculative execution, helps computers run more efficiently.
    — Chetan Jaiswal, The Conversation, 30 July 2026
  • Defensive standout Micah Parsons (+1600) seeks to refocus post-injury, while Aaron Donald (+850) is a speculative entry, with rumors of a potential return from retirement.
    — Darren Cooper, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026
Definition of speculative
Adjective
  • But his absence leaves the Trojans with a totally new and unproven group to catch passes; many of them are getting their first experience of college football, and of quarterback Jayden Maiava.
    — Ryan Kartje, Los Angeles Times, 1 Aug. 2026
  • The Broncos have a room full of intriguing, but largely unproven linebackers behind the two veteran starters.
    — Nick Kosmider, New York Times, 31 July 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
Adjective
  • The presumed reasoning behind why the film was ignored is multilayered.
    — Marcus Jones, IndieWire, 8 Aug. 2025
Definition of presumed

Browse Nearby Words

nonemphatic
nonempirical
nonemployment
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Cite this Entry

“Nonempirical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nonempirical. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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