NONEMPIRICAL Synonyms: 50 Similar and Opposite Words

nonempirical

adjective

Definition of nonempirical

as in theoretical

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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

Although the idea of putting data centers into space has long been discussed on a theoretical basis, the technology has rapidly become a red-hot topic.

— Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 15 July 2026
That was driven by the theoretical potential of AI to displace traditional software, but IBM’s profit warning appeared to confirm that a secular shift is now under way.

— Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 15 July 2026

Definition of theoretical

Adjective

Amy Oppenheim also talked about the enjoyable process of working with the museum on a show by her husband, Dennis Oppenheim, the conceptual and land artist who passed away in 2011.

— Vanessa Grigoriadis, Vanity Fair, 21 July 2026
Lange and Reyna used the time apart as a wide-open creative space, not so much focused on any specific conceptual or a philosophical (or even emotional) basis for the record, but on a feeling of soft moodiness.

— E.R. Pulgar, Pitchfork, 20 July 2026

Definition of conceptual

Adjective

During the pandemic boom, cheap money, soaring asset prices, and speculative demand encouraged galleries to expand rapidly—adding artists, opening new locations and building ever larger organizations.

— Daniel Cassady, ARTnews.com, 17 July 2026
The role of commercial satellites in warfare has sparked speculative discussions on their legitimacy as military targets, and what the Pentagon’s role should be in defending them.

— Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 16 July 2026

Definition of speculative

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

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“Nonempirical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nonempirical. Accessed 23 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of nonempirical

adjective

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