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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 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 The platonic ideal for Starship is full reusability, with both the first and second stages returning to the launch site and being re-stacked for launch within hours. — Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 15 July 2026 While setting the record straight, the actress explained that her relationship with Cameli is strictly platonic. — Julia Moore, PEOPLE, 15 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
  • That game is too important, and holding someone back for a hypothetical Game 3 might be foolish regardless.
    — Matt Gelb, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
  • In a hypothetical matchup against Moody, the poll showed Nixon would perform a bit better than Vindman, but would still lose by 50% to 42%.
    — Steve Bousquet, Sun Sentinel, 5 Sep. 2026
Definition of hypothetical
Adjective
  • That could give the weapon a theoretical range of about 280 miles.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 16 Sep. 2026
  • In short, the theoretical possibility of trans women playing in the WNBA, while of substantial curiosity to some, doesn’t present an actual controversy at this time.
    — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 14 Sep. 2026
Definition of theoretical
Adjective
  • In addition to the potential hurricane-force wind gusts, tornadoes are possible near the two islands, and heavy rains are expected throughout the main islands, the hurricane center's specialists warned.
    — Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA Today, 8 Sep. 2026
  • None of us are immune to the potential downside of new technologies.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 8 Sep. 2026
Definition of potential
Adjective
  • Outside of two games, Will McDonald was largely nonexistent despite finishing with eight sacks.
    — Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 6 Sep. 2026
  • Federal prosecutors say Daejon Labrayae Love spent years presenting himself as an NFL player or wealthy real-estate investor, meeting women on dating apps and eventually steering them toward nonexistent investments.
    — Joshua Hong, Fortune, 5 Sep. 2026
Definition of nonexistent
Adjective
  • Competitors had to lift them onto podiums at different heights in the quickest time possible.
    — Rob Tanner, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
  • Several tornadoes possible near Kauai and Niihau, and a few possible elsewhere.
    — Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA Today, 8 Sep. 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
  • With waterfall views and an ideal location among the old-school charm of Beacon’s shops and restaurants, the Roundhouse provides a perfect weekend escape for New Yorkers who want to feel a world away from home.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Sep. 2026
  • For an event that has become an annual celebration of Latino heritage in Kansas City, the gathering continued despite conditions that were far from ideal.
    — J.M. Banks, Kansas City Star, 14 Sep. 2026
Definition of ideal
Adjective
  • The teenager also described alleged abuse by Deutsch, telling investigators she was struck with objects including a paddle and shoes.
    — Stephen Sorace, FOXNews.com, 6 Sep. 2026
  • The charges stem from an alleged threat Duterte, 48, made during a 2024 online news conference.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 5 Sep. 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 17 Sep. 2026.

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