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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of theoretical
That's according to Polish theoretical physicist Nikodem Poplawski of the University of New Haven, who is well-known for his theory that black holes act as doorways to other universes.
—
Robert Lea, Space.com, 21 June 2025
This is not some abstract or theoretical damage, or simply adding a couple of days to an already long immigration process.
—Agustina Vergara Cid, Oc Register, 13 June 2025
And the consequences of those delays were not theoretical.
—Dr. Shelley Sella, Time, 11 June 2025
My expertise in information technology over a 30-year journey often requires an immersion of innovative technologies, such as AI, to bridge theoretical knowledge with practical application.
—Deanna Laster, Forbes.com, 11 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for theoretical
Robert Lea, Space.com, 21 June 2025
This is not some abstract or theoretical damage, or simply adding a couple of days to an already long immigration process.
—Agustina Vergara Cid, Oc Register, 13 June 2025
And the consequences of those delays were not theoretical.
—Dr. Shelley Sella, Time, 11 June 2025
My expertise in information technology over a 30-year journey often requires an immersion of innovative technologies, such as AI, to bridge theoretical knowledge with practical application.
—Deanna Laster, Forbes.com, 11 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for theoretical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for theoretical
Adjective
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Polling of a hypothetical election matchup for lieutenant governor shows Republican incumbent Dan Patrick leading Democratic state Representative Vikki Goodwin, 46 percent to 42 percent.—
Nick Mordowanec,
MSNBC Newsweek,
25 June 2025
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To see how this all works, consider Maria, a 58-year-old hypothetical diabetic patient who hasn’t filled her statin prescription.—
Mika Newton,
Forbes.com,
25 June 2025
Adjective
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To what end? Riri meets Mephisto at the metaphysical diner.—
Stacia Brown,
Vulture,
2 July 2025
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Body Mind Spirit Celebration Enjoy entertainment, shop metaphysical vendors, get a reading or healing, and explore live learning sessions that include crystals, holistic wellness, tarot and more at this celebration of the body, mind and spirit.—
Luann Gibbs,
The Enquirer,
2 July 2025
Adjective
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Even with the recent resurgence in speculative stocks, the Schwab US Large-Cap Value ETF (SCHV), is outperforming its growth sibling, the Schwab US Large-Cap Growth ETF (SCHG) +8.35% versus +4.34% year-to-date.—
James Berman,
Forbes.com,
2 July 2025
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Any financial instruments mentioned herein are speculative in nature and may involve risk to principal and interest.—
Katie Stockton,
CNBC,
30 June 2025
Adjective
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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
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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
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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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But the possible consequences of an Iranian nuclear capability are largely conjectural (save for one: nobody would think of invading Iran anymore).—
Barry R. Posen,
Foreign Affairs,
7 Sep. 2010
Adjective
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What High-Tact Leadership Looks Like Tact isn’t abstract.—
Justin Patton,
Forbes.com,
25 June 2025
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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
Cite this Entry
“Theoretical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/theoretical. Accessed 8 Jul. 2025.
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