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
Take, for instance, a wormhole, a theoretical bridge connecting two distant regions of space.
—
Quanta Magazine, 3 June 2026
At the same time, Albrecht drew a sharp line between tightening theoretical foundations and winning real cases.
—Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 1 June 2026
This law provides Democrats with a theoretical path to nominate a different candidate.
—Carter Schroppe, The Washington Examiner, 31 May 2026
Their measurements closely matched theoretical predictions and simulations, validating the core physics behind the approach.
—New Atlas, 30 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for theoretical
Quanta Magazine, 3 June 2026
At the same time, Albrecht drew a sharp line between tightening theoretical foundations and winning real cases.
—Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 1 June 2026
This law provides Democrats with a theoretical path to nominate a different candidate.
—Carter Schroppe, The Washington Examiner, 31 May 2026
Their measurements closely matched theoretical predictions and simulations, validating the core physics behind the approach.
—New Atlas, 30 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for theoretical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for theoretical
Adjective
-
In that hypothetical version of events, he would now be considered a hero in Barcelona and Miami, but not necessarily in his home country.—
Kellis Robinett,
Kansas City Star,
3 June 2026
-
Primordial black holes remain undetected and therefore hypothetical.—
Robert Lea,
Space.com,
3 June 2026
Adjective
-
Andrews has continued to work on TV, including Sinbad, as Jafar on Once Upon a Time in Wonderland, and on the Wachowskis’ metaphysical epic Sense8.—
Andrew Walsh,
Entertainment Weekly,
23 May 2026
-
Huxley’s critique is clear; America mistakes body for spirit, promiscuously confusing the physical with the metaphysical.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
21 May 2026
Adjective
-
For many, the sell-off reads as a warning sign for speculative excess in the face of trillions of dollars in upcoming IPO issuance and the potential for rising interest rates.—
Oliver Renick,
CNBC,
6 June 2026
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Men are more likely to consider speculative assets and are less afraid to lose money than their female counterparts.—
Mary Cunningham,
CBS News,
6 June 2026
Adjective
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That extended timeline has allowed organizers to move beyond conceptual planning and into operational detail earlier than usual.—
Tim Genske,
Forbes.com,
6 June 2026
-
Although Prada Mode staff are all dressed in metallic silver outfits that match the physical decor, the overall fashion connection is more conceptual than literal.—
Kristen Tauer,
Footwear News,
4 June 2026
Adjective
-
The first two questions are too hypothetical and conjectural.—
Baltimore Sun staff,
Baltimore Sun,
20 May 2026
-
Projections of economic gains from major sporting events are typically optimistic, euphoric, chimerical or conjectural.—
Michael Hiltzik,
Los Angeles Times,
19 June 2025
Adjective
-
The pieces are abstract but appear to show featureless human figures sitting atop globular, cloud-like shapes that float in the air.—
Ray Mark Rinaldi,
Denver Post,
7 June 2026
-
These are not abstract concerns.—
Mayra Rodriguez Valladares,
Forbes.com,
6 June 2026
Adjective
-
That atmosphere was felt by the crew throughout the 140-day shoot, which required intense physical and mental endurance from everyone.—
Jim Hemphill,
IndieWire,
8 June 2026
-
Mark Zuckerberg and Barack Obama, for example, both became known for paring down everyday decisions—famously, their wardrobes—to conserve mental energy for the calls that matter.—
Sydney Lake,
Fortune,
8 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Theoretical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/theoretical. Accessed 10 Jun. 2026.
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