variants
also theoretic
1
as in hypothetical
existing only as an assumption or speculation
the merits of the new testing procedures are purely theoretical, since no one has ever used them before
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2
as in metaphysical
dealing with or expressing a quality or idea
the theoretical musings in his new book are less engaging than the anecdote-driven arguments of his previous works
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of theoretical
This proved the viability of the concept of supersonic retropropulsion, which was, until that time, just theoretical.
—
Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 28 Aug. 2025
But even on a theoretical level, how might the two be linked?
—Jamie Ducharme, Health, 28 Aug. 2025
Or the theoretical physicist Sheldon Cooper from The Big Bang Theory.
—Joe Hernandez, NPR, 20 Aug. 2025
For decades, this remained a theoretical benchmark.
—Tamilla Triantoro, The Conversation, 20 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for theoretical
Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 28 Aug. 2025
But even on a theoretical level, how might the two be linked?
—Jamie Ducharme, Health, 28 Aug. 2025
Or the theoretical physicist Sheldon Cooper from The Big Bang Theory.
—Joe Hernandez, NPR, 20 Aug. 2025
For decades, this remained a theoretical benchmark.
—Tamilla Triantoro, The Conversation, 20 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for theoretical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for theoretical
Adjective
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These questions are not hypothetical.—
John Winsor,
Forbes.com,
27 Aug. 2025
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The 2024 versions of the exercises practiced for the first time how to respond to a hypothetical North Korean nuclear strike, South Korea's military said at the time, according to comments carried by domestic media.—
Ellie Cook,
MSNBC Newsweek,
26 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Gleason, famously fascinated with UFOs and metaphysical theory, dreamed up the circular home that embodied futuristic ambition while showcasing old-fashioned craftsmanship.—
Abby Montanez,
Robb Report,
3 Sep. 2025
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Dao and qi are two metaphysical categories that persisted throughout the history of Chinese thought, with various interpretations of their unification and separation.—
Daniel Birnbaum,
Artforum,
1 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Bigelow’s work is procedural to its core, and that this film is a speculative what-if is made all the more horrifying because of its banality.—
Ryan Lattanzio,
IndieWire,
2 Sep. 2025
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It’s meant to be bought, enjoyed, and drunk—not treated like a speculative financial asset.—
Felipe Schrieberg,
Forbes.com,
2 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Even within the central nervous system, there was a conceptual hierarchy with the brain controlling the spinal cord.—
Sara Giordano,
The Conversation,
4 Sep. 2025
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Pettman’s book might best be read as comfort for the ghosted, providing a conceptual framework and a history of the idea.—
Kyle Chayka,
New Yorker,
3 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Projections of economic gains from major sporting events are typically optimistic, euphoric, chimerical or conjectural.—
Michael Hiltzik,
Los Angeles Times,
19 June 2025
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That statistic is somewhat conjectural, since the vast majority of rapes in India are apparently not reported.—
Mark Jenkins,
Washington Post,
7 Nov. 2023
Adjective
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Domains require direct modeling of physical states instead of abstract prediction methods.—
Sadhasivam Mohanadas,
Forbes.com,
3 Sep. 2025
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These aren’t abstract concepts.—
Emma Burleigh,
Fortune,
3 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Theoretical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/theoretical. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.
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