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
While the results are theoretical, the researchers say the progress in neutral atom systems suggests practical quantum computers may arrive sooner than expected.
—
Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 1 Apr. 2026
This is not a theoretical need.
—Crystal Hudson, New York Daily News, 1 Apr. 2026
The thing is, the automotive industry is finally in a place where designs like these are less theoretical and genuinely possible.
—Adam Ismail, The Drive, 1 Apr. 2026
That sequence is no longer theoretical.
—Maha Hosain Aziz, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for theoretical
Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 1 Apr. 2026
This is not a theoretical need.
—Crystal Hudson, New York Daily News, 1 Apr. 2026
The thing is, the automotive industry is finally in a place where designs like these are less theoretical and genuinely possible.
—Adam Ismail, The Drive, 1 Apr. 2026
That sequence is no longer theoretical.
—Maha Hosain Aziz, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for theoretical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for theoretical
Adjective
-
The anxiety is no longer hypothetical.—
Catherina Gioino,
Fortune,
5 Apr. 2026
-
Summit County Commissioner Eric Mamula warned that the concern is no longer hypothetical.—
Spencer Wilson,
CBS News,
3 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
The movie addresses metaphysical questions such as the egregore of a generation, the nature of evil, and the search for God in times of His absence.—
PhotoVogue,
Vogue,
19 Mar. 2026
-
The most fundamental consequences of being struck by lightning are often metaphysical, and not easily communicable.—
Jacob Stern,
The Atlantic,
16 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
The film’s speculative elements — monoliths accelerating human evolution — were philosophical rather than scientific.—
Samantha Agate,
Kansas City Star,
3 Apr. 2026
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Another attraction to American investors is the English game’s financial chaos, itself exacerbated by the speculative frenzy and dire stakes inherent in promotion/relegation.—
Andrés Martinez,
Fortune,
2 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Sales of photography, moving-image work, sculpture, and most conceptual work have shriveled up, except at the very highest levels.—
Alex Greenberger,
ARTnews.com,
6 Apr. 2026
-
Of course, that’s all a bit conceptual in practice, even if the whiskey is very good and interesting (and this new Maker’s Mark is both).—
Jonah Flicker,
Robb Report,
6 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Projections of economic gains from major sporting events are typically optimistic, euphoric, chimerical or conjectural.—
Michael Hiltzik,
Los Angeles Times,
19 June 2025
-
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
-
For the people living through it, war is not abstract.—
Maliha Rahman,
Sun Sentinel,
5 Apr. 2026
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Rauschenberg was presumably familiar with Siskind’s views on the inherently abstract nature of photography.—
Hilton Als,
New Yorker,
4 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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This story is part of Peak, The Athletic’s desk covering the mental side of sports.—
Mike Conley,
New York Times,
7 Apr. 2026
-
For generations, 911 operators have been the backbone of the American emergency response network, answering calls for help, and then dispatching and coordinating police and firefighters, SWAT teams, mental-health counselors and animal-control officers.—
Trevor Hughes,
USA Today,
6 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Theoretical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/theoretical. Accessed 11 Apr. 2026.
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