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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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
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Recent Examples of theoretical
The theoretical ways drugs can affect heat tolerance are well-known, but there haven't been enough systematic analyses looking at how, and at what levels, and for whom drugs affect heat tolerance, says Yorgi Mavros, a heat expert at The University of Sydney.
—
Alejandra Borunda, NPR, 30 July 2025
The doctrine of communication by conduct is not merely a theoretical construct.
—Majeed Javdani, Forbes.com, 29 July 2025
Like that theoretical butterfly, the Trump administration’s decision to deprive weather forecasters of a little satellite data — whether motivated by Project 2025-brand ideology, a desire to enrich private companies or a mere love of watching the world burn — will have far-reaching consequences.
—Mark Gongloff, Mercury News, 27 July 2025
Peter Gleick, a climate scientist and a member of the National Academy of Sciences, lauded the new report for confirming trends that were once theoretical.
—Abrahm Lustgarten, ProPublica, 25 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for theoretical
Alejandra Borunda, NPR, 30 July 2025
The doctrine of communication by conduct is not merely a theoretical construct.
—Majeed Javdani, Forbes.com, 29 July 2025
Like that theoretical butterfly, the Trump administration’s decision to deprive weather forecasters of a little satellite data — whether motivated by Project 2025-brand ideology, a desire to enrich private companies or a mere love of watching the world burn — will have far-reaching consequences.
—Mark Gongloff, Mercury News, 27 July 2025
Peter Gleick, a climate scientist and a member of the National Academy of Sciences, lauded the new report for confirming trends that were once theoretical.
—Abrahm Lustgarten, ProPublica, 25 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for theoretical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for theoretical
Adjective
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In Baltimore County, this hypothetical is even worse.—
John Hohman,
Baltimore Sun,
9 Aug. 2025
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Peltola, meanwhile, held a lead over Republican candidates in a hypothetical poll of the governor race.—
Andrew Stanton,
MSNBC Newsweek,
8 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Vendors will offer beads, minerals, gemstones, custom jewelry, fossils, artifacts, and metaphysical stones.—
Joe Rassel,
The Orlando Sentinel,
6 Aug. 2025
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The series invites fans on a metaphysical road trip through the West Coast sunset with a euphoric lineup designed to illuminate audiences and create space for community, connection and spiritual transformation.—
Caroline Tell,
Forbes.com,
16 July 2025
Adjective
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Or a business model potentially based on selling unregistered securities in a highly volatile and speculative financial ecosystem.—
Allison Morrow,
CNN Money,
6 Aug. 2025
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Some studies suggest that rising global temperatures may intensify wind shear in jet streams, potentially leading to more frequent or severe clear-air turbulence, but this is still speculative.—
Jim Foerster,
Forbes.com,
4 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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On the other hand, the Republic of Korea said that more conceptual clarity is needed for the concept of value creation.—
Nana Ama Sarfo,
Forbes.com,
11 Aug. 2025
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And yet thinking of ψ as an object that exists in the world raises its own constellation of conceptual challenges.—
Quanta Magazine,
Quanta Magazine,
8 Aug. 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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Second, present bias: the immediate pain of thinking through problems manually outweighs abstract future concerns about skill atrophy.—
Cornelia C. Walther,
Forbes.com,
10 Aug. 2025
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Try the look with this sleeveless shirt dress that has an abstract print, full button front, waist ties, and a midi length that hits right below the knees on most people.—
Jamie Allison Sanders,
People.com,
9 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Theoretical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/theoretical. Accessed 19 Aug. 2025.
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