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
Relevance
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of theoretical
That connection isn’t just theoretical.
—
Lauryn Higgins, Time, 4 Nov. 2025
But a new theoretical study published in the journal Physical Review Letters suggests that inflation may have been warm from the start.
—Stephanie Pappas, Scientific American, 27 Oct. 2025
But You fans invested in a theoretical off-screen romance.
—Tommy McArdle, PEOPLE, 27 Oct. 2025
The relationship between trust and growth is not theoretical.
—Dave Smith, Fortune, 25 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for theoretical
Lauryn Higgins, Time, 4 Nov. 2025
But a new theoretical study published in the journal Physical Review Letters suggests that inflation may have been warm from the start.
—Stephanie Pappas, Scientific American, 27 Oct. 2025
But You fans invested in a theoretical off-screen romance.
—Tommy McArdle, PEOPLE, 27 Oct. 2025
The relationship between trust and growth is not theoretical.
—Dave Smith, Fortune, 25 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for theoretical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for theoretical
Adjective
-
They’re not allowed to take back more money than what is guaranteed to him in any such hypothetical trade.—
Bennett Durando,
Denver Post,
7 Nov. 2025
-
Fifth, Stammen wasn’t my grand-slam hypothetical hire.—
Tom Krasovic,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
7 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
Beverly, a waitress who had another daughter and then a son in the two years after Smith was born (and eventually one more daughter), had little time for her eldest’s metaphysical ponderings.—
Amy Weiss-Meyer,
The Atlantic,
31 Oct. 2025
-
The film follows a young couple (Qualley and Starkey), who inherit a farm in rural Arkansas and must conquer the demons, both physical and metaphysical, that haunt its legacy.—
Justin Kroll,
Deadline,
31 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Any financial instruments mentioned herein are speculative in nature and may involve risk to principal and interest.—
Katie Stockton,
CNBC,
10 Nov. 2025
-
Since its inception in 2013, the festival has taken place in Los Angeles in the fall, showcasing speculative cinema from around the globe.—
Andrew McGowan,
Variety,
6 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
Christo and Jeanne-Claude were successful, acknowledged, and respected conceptual artists.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
7 Nov. 2025
-
That’s when math gets harder and more conceptual.—
Lauren Brown West-Rosenthal,
Parents,
5 Nov. 2025
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
-
Hypertension is associated with difficulties in problem-solving, planning, organizing, and multitasking, as well as abstract reasoning, working memory, and mental processing speed.—
Colleen Doherty,
Verywell Health,
6 Nov. 2025
-
Our greatness will be anything but abstract.—
Jordan King,
MSNBC Newsweek,
5 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
Industry pushback and innovation concerns Some tech companies argue that such regulation could stifle innovation, limit beneficial uses of conversational AI (education, mental-health support for older teens) or impose heavy compliance burdens.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
5 Nov. 2025
-
Regular exercise can prevent the physical and mental impacts of SWSD.—
Pamela Assid,
Verywell Health,
5 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Theoretical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/theoretical. Accessed 20 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share