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
The 18-passenger jet, which has a theoretical top end of Mach 1.6 (1,100 mph), is also designed to minimize the sonic boom for overland travel.
—
Michael Verdon, Robb Report, 18 Aug. 2025
Adhikari’s team realized that the AI was probably using some esoteric theoretical principles that Russian physicists had identified decades ago to reduce quantum mechanical noise.
—Anil Ananthaswamy, Wired News, 16 Aug. 2025
This is hardly some academic or theoretical concern.
—Allison Morrow, CNN Money, 13 Aug. 2025
This score reflects real-world usage rather than theoretical task analysis.
—Caroline Castrillon, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for theoretical
Michael Verdon, Robb Report, 18 Aug. 2025
Adhikari’s team realized that the AI was probably using some esoteric theoretical principles that Russian physicists had identified decades ago to reduce quantum mechanical noise.
—Anil Ananthaswamy, Wired News, 16 Aug. 2025
This is hardly some academic or theoretical concern.
—Allison Morrow, CNN Money, 13 Aug. 2025
This score reflects real-world usage rather than theoretical task analysis.
—Caroline Castrillon, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for theoretical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for theoretical
Adjective
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Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker’s office declined to comment to CNN on the ongoing federal takeover in DC or any hypothetical actions in Philly.—
Ray Sanchez,
CNN Money,
23 Aug. 2025
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So the radio signals leaking out of a hypothetical alien star system might look a lot like the ones leaking out of ours.—
Kiona N. Smith,
Forbes.com,
23 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,
21 Aug. 2025
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The surrounding wave paintings add emotional turbulence, invoking both the physical might and metaphysical vastness of the sea.—
Lee Sharrock,
Forbes.com,
20 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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These aren't speculative bets — they're calculated investments in what companies see as the next fundamental computing platform.—
Daniel Newman,
Forbes.com,
21 Aug. 2025
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The Heat perhaps could have acquired more if he had been traded before the 2024 trade deadline, but that’s speculative.—
Barry Jackson,
Miami Herald,
19 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Like many immigrants, Kuang had maintained a largely conceptual relationship to her native country as a child, slowly losing her grasp of Mandarin.—
Hua Hsu,
New Yorker,
18 Aug. 2025
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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
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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Reduction In Security-Related Deal Losses: Fewer instances where security gaps are cited as the reason for losing an opportunity These metrics translate security from an abstract risk management function into tangible business results that the board can appreciate.—
Nick Ryan,
Forbes.com,
22 Aug. 2025
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The illustrious handbag designer and her husband, an accomplished abstract painter, acquired a total of six acres in the Springs hamlet of East Hampton in 1956 for a mere $10,000.—
Wendy Bowman,
Robb Report,
20 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Theoretical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/theoretical. Accessed 1 Sep. 2025.
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