1
as in theoretical
dealing with or expressing a quality or idea
she has a notional understanding of romantic love but no actual experience of being in love
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in imaginary
not real and existing only in the imagination
your computer's "visits" to various parts of cyberspace are entirely notional—you stay put and the Web pages come to you
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 notional
Those plans remain notional, but France and Britain want to have detailed options for European participation, while also insisting that the United States provide key elements like air cover, without troops on the ground.
—
Steven Erlanger, New York Times, 11 Apr. 2025
This date is also supported by a notice to mariners, but it should be taken as notional rather than something to be confident in.
—ArsTechnica, 9 May 2025
As reported by Rolling Stone, early buyers raked in $6.6 billion in profits, while many other traders collectively lost $2 billion in actual or notional losses, as per Chainalysis data findings.
—Tonya M. Evans, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025
These professional traders have net sold global equities for six weeks in a row, with last week’s notional de-grossing amount reaching the largest level since July, according to data from Goldman Sachs’ prime brokerage unit.
—Yun Li, CNBC, 31 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for notional
Steven Erlanger, New York Times, 11 Apr. 2025
This date is also supported by a notice to mariners, but it should be taken as notional rather than something to be confident in.
—ArsTechnica, 9 May 2025
As reported by Rolling Stone, early buyers raked in $6.6 billion in profits, while many other traders collectively lost $2 billion in actual or notional losses, as per Chainalysis data findings.
—Tonya M. Evans, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025
These professional traders have net sold global equities for six weeks in a row, with last week’s notional de-grossing amount reaching the largest level since July, according to data from Goldman Sachs’ prime brokerage unit.
—Yun Li, CNBC, 31 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for notional
Recent Examples of Synonyms for notional
Adjective
-
These frameworks are not theoretical, as they are based on real-world leadership challenges and offer actionable tools leaders can apply immediately.—
Tony Gambill,
Forbes.com,
24 June 2025
-
The Athletic's Jim Bowden recently outlined a theoretical deal in which the Cardinals would trade Helsley, Arenado, and cash to the Detroit Tigers to land superstar prospect Kevin McGonigle.—
Zach Pressnell,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 June 2025
Adjective
-
Like the ugly duckling, new employees often internalize the stressful discomforts caused by real or imaginary signs of mistrust or rejection.—
Naira Velumyan,
Forbes.com,
17 June 2025
-
Answer: Minnesota Who was Riley’s childhood imaginary friend?—
Kara Nesvig,
Parents,
17 June 2025
Adjective
-
And that was the metaphysical American transformation of news into entertainment.—
Owen Gleiberman,
Variety,
13 June 2025
-
The Foundation Of Strategic Thinking The Vedas scriptures do not only dwell on metaphysical concepts but also emphasize the principles of truth, cosmic order and sacrifice for the collective good.—
Pankaj Vasani,
Forbes.com,
14 May 2025
Adjective
-
In the film, a massive great white shark hunts people swimming in the water surrounding the fictitious Amity Island.—
Natalie Neysa Alund,
USA Today,
13 June 2025
-
Ever since Max began streaming the drama about life in a fictitious Pittsburgh emergency room, it’s been one pinch-me moment after another for Wyle and his fellow executive producers John Wells and R. Scott Gemmill.—
Lynette Rice,
Deadline,
12 June 2025
Adjective
-
What High-Tact Leadership Looks Like Tact isn’t abstract.—
Justin Patton,
Forbes.com,
25 June 2025
-
Advertisement Read More: Losing NOAA’s Natural Disaster Data Will Make Storms More Devastating for the Poor While these cuts may seem abstract or bureaucratic, their impact is personal.—
Kathy Baughman McLeod,
Time,
24 June 2025
Adjective
-
Even with the security, though, collectors and fans are able to get up close to items that may have previously seemed mythical.—
Larry Holder,
New York Times,
21 June 2025
-
The electric Nebraska has become a mythical object for Springsteen fans over the years, and there’s been a lot of evidence suggesting the tapes do exist.—
Jon Blistein,
Rolling Stone,
19 June 2025
Adjective
-
Serra is essentially a formalist in drama, by his choices of subject, which are matched by his conceptual approach to visual compositions.—
Richard Brody,
New Yorker,
24 June 2025
-
And the vibes were somewhere between downtown book launch and conceptual prank, as On the Rag — L.A.’s buzzy new literary tabloid — celebrated its arrival at Night Gallery with a cigarette-clouded bash full of poetry, prose and potting soil.—
Benjamin Svetkey,
HollywoodReporter,
18 June 2025
Adjective
-
In experiments set up to leave AI models few options and stress-test alignment, top systems from OpenAI, Google, and others frequently resorted to blackmail—and in an extreme case, even allowed fictional deaths—to protect their interests.—
Beatrice Nolan,
Fortune,
23 June 2025
-
The Hollywood Reporter can reveal that, under the multiyear deal, IMG Licensing will develop and manage a robust licensing program spanning Maas’s entire fictional universe with the aim of creating new touchpoints for her fervid fan base.—
Lily Ford,
HollywoodReporter,
23 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Notional.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/notional. Accessed 1 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share