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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of theoretical
This theoretical limit concerns how much matter can be accreted to a compact body like a neutron star or black hole.
—
Robert Lea, Space.com, 18 Sep. 2025
That growth is not just theoretical.
—Paulina Likos, CNBC, 17 Sep. 2025
Payton shrugged this all off Wednesday, despite the clear possibility of a theoretical competitive advantage for a divisional rival.
—Luca Evans, Denver Post, 17 Sep. 2025
The cost of escalating rhetoric and unchecked hostility is no longer theoretical.
—Michael Curry, Oc Register, 15 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for theoretical
Robert Lea, Space.com, 18 Sep. 2025
That growth is not just theoretical.
—Paulina Likos, CNBC, 17 Sep. 2025
Payton shrugged this all off Wednesday, despite the clear possibility of a theoretical competitive advantage for a divisional rival.
—Luca Evans, Denver Post, 17 Sep. 2025
The cost of escalating rhetoric and unchecked hostility is no longer theoretical.
—Michael Curry, Oc Register, 15 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for theoretical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for theoretical
Adjective
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In a rare turn for Chinese tech, Alibaba is leaning heavily into superintelligence — a hypothetical AI system surpassing human intellect — mirroring efforts by US firms like OpenAI and Meta.—
semafor.com,
semafor.com,
29 Sep. 2025
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However, when major rivals are removed from hypothetical matchups, Mamdani’s lead narrows, especially against Cuomo, indicating anti-Mamdani voters could consolidate if the race dynamics shift.—
Deputy News Editor,
MSNBC Newsweek,
25 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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The fantastic is used to sketch out familiar story lines, but the metaphysical premise remains as vague as the dramatic stakes in the lives of the characters.—
Richard Brody,
New Yorker,
18 Sep. 2025
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This time, Scott had a less metaphysical explanation for his torment.—
Bill Plunkett,
Oc Register,
13 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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As an increasing number of startups remain in private ownership for longer, investors are focusing more on delivery than on speculative valuations.—
Ian King,
CNBC,
24 Sep. 2025
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The Bulwark has held talks in recent months with outlets including Crooked Media about partnerships and even potential consolidation, though people involved cautioned that the discussions were mostly friendly and speculative.—
Max Tani,
semafor.com,
22 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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No more conceptual discussions — start sewing!—
Roxana Hadadi,
Vulture,
26 Sep. 2025
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What stood out most during the performance was how, despite its conceptual format, the show remained filled with energy and a celebratory vibe throughout.—
Billboard Japan,
Billboard,
25 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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Roberta Boffo and Sébastien Preschoux went more abstract with various shapes and patterns.—
Paige Reddinger,
Robb Report,
25 Sep. 2025
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The Ripple Effect Through it all, what drives me is not abstract performance metrics but impact.—
Annabelle Huang,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Theoretical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/theoretical. Accessed 30 Sep. 2025.
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