platonic

adjective

Definition of platonicnext
as in hypothetical

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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 platonic Olsen certainly hurt those around him, too, growing up, especially as his addiction spiraled and his platonic, romantic and familial relationships fell apart. — David Oliver, USA Today, 2 Sep. 2026 From Nicholas Stoller and Francesca Delbanco, Platonic follows a platonic pair of former best friends approaching midlife (Seth Rogen and Rose Byrne) who reconnect after a long rift. — Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 17 Aug. 2026 The stateliness of Brancusi’s sculptures is never reducible to some platonic idea of nature, however. — Ara H. Merjian, ARTnews.com, 16 Aug. 2026 Odysseus is obviously one of the oldest heroes in literature, the platonic ideal of a hero, in some senses. — Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 21 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for platonic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for platonic
  1. hypothetical
  2. theoretical
  3. potential
  4. nonexistent
  5. possible
  6. conjectural
  7. ideal
  8. alleged
Adjective
  • Washington Examiner columnist Joe Concha blasted former first lady Michelle Obama’s podcast, IMO with Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson, after a segment discussing hypothetical scenarios of men getting pregnant.
    — Mackenzie Chase, The Washington Examiner, 4 Oct. 2026
  • In other words, Curtis’ hypothetical hinged on a somewhat ludicrous notion, which is to say if ESPN chose to revisit that botched experiment, McAfee would be the guy to take on the role as comic foil.
    — Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of hypothetical
Adjective
  • And if people don’t have the agency to use either effectively, much of the theoretical value stays theoretical.
    — Prithvi Singh Shergill, Forbes.com, 29 Sep. 2026
  • In some versions of this test, the option to self-medicate came at a cost, either to the success of its task or as a theoretical attack on the user.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 28 Sep. 2026
Definition of theoretical
Adjective
  • Clayton also noted in the interview the task force would discuss potential legislative options that could be part of an AI framework moving forward.
    — Carter Schroppe, The Washington Examiner, 4 Oct. 2026
  • This year, Newsom signed more than 10 bills aimed at keeping young people safe from the potential harms of social media sites, artificial intelligence, addictive autoplay and more.
    — Deputy Managing Editor, Los Angeles Times, 3 Oct. 2026
Definition of potential
Adjective
  • The system has enforced upon them a reality in which their choices are so limited as to be nonexistent.
    — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 1 Oct. 2026
  • The line between inside and outside is pretty much nonexistent at this Miami Beach house.
    — Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 24 Sep. 2026
Definition of nonexistent
Adjective
  • The South's joint chiefs said Saturday the military stepped up surveillance and vigilance for possible further launches from the North and was closely sharing information with the United States and Japan.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 4 Oct. 2026
  • As Yemen returns to a level of fighting intensity not seen since the 2022 truce, the civil war has entered a decisive phase, with several possible avenues forward.
    — Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 4 Oct. 2026
Definition of possible
Adjective
  • The first two questions are too hypothetical and conjectural.
    — Baltimore Sun staff, Baltimore Sun, 20 May 2026
  • Projections of economic gains from major sporting events are typically optimistic, euphoric, chimerical or conjectural.
    — Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 19 June 2025
Definition of conjectural
Adjective
  • This hotel feels upscale while keeping within a reasonable budget—ideal for 30- or 40-something couples looking for chic accommodations and access to the sights, without sacrificing peace and quiet at the end of the night.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
  • And up to 20 miles (32 km) under ideal line-of-sight conditions.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 4 Oct. 2026
Definition of ideal
Adjective
  • Several Japanese nationals, including executives at top Japanese firms, were reportedly detained in August over alleged violations of dual-use goods export restrictions.
    — Anniek Bao,Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 5 Oct. 2026
  • One answer to such questions comes from the recent resignation of BOR Vice Chair Juanita James, who was appointed to head the search for a new CSCU chancellor, and faced her own criticism for alleged inaction over the problems within the BOR.
    — Dr. Matthew Warshauer, Hartford Courant, 4 Oct. 2026
Definition of alleged

Browse Nearby Words

platitudinous
platonic
platoon
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Platonic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/platonic. Accessed 7 Oct. 2026.

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