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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of theoretical
This isn’t a theoretical concern, either.
—
Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 16 Sep. 2025
Weather prediction takes a snapshot of the atmosphere today and projects its motion forward, through the theoretical universe of all possible forecasts.
—Joseph Howlett, Quanta Magazine, 15 Sep. 2025
The cost of escalating rhetoric and unchecked hostility is no longer theoretical.
—Michael Curry, Oc Register, 15 Sep. 2025
So that's just one theoretical possibility that's going through my head.
—Peter D'abrosca, FOXNews.com, 12 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for theoretical
Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 16 Sep. 2025
Weather prediction takes a snapshot of the atmosphere today and projects its motion forward, through the theoretical universe of all possible forecasts.
—Joseph Howlett, Quanta Magazine, 15 Sep. 2025
The cost of escalating rhetoric and unchecked hostility is no longer theoretical.
—Michael Curry, Oc Register, 15 Sep. 2025
So that's just one theoretical possibility that's going through my head.
—Peter D'abrosca, FOXNews.com, 12 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for theoretical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for theoretical
Adjective
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Denholm also said she isn’t entirely sold on the idea of Tesla investing in Musk’s xAI, a hypothetical that shareholders will vote on at the company’s annual meeting in November.—
Liz Hoffman,
semafor.com,
16 Sep. 2025
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Unfortunately, this risk isn’t just hypothetical.—
Bernard Marr,
Forbes.com,
15 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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This time, Scott had a less metaphysical explanation for his torment.—
Bill Plunkett,
Oc Register,
13 Sep. 2025
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The materialist, physiological explanation for the phenomenon of panic generates a bright contrast with the philosophical and metaphysical inquiries that have Nicholas, and Clune, in their grip.—
Scott Stossel,
The Atlantic,
9 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Overreaction to speculative news remains a significant risk to investors.—
Dryden Pence,
Forbes.com,
16 Sep. 2025
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Any financial instruments mentioned herein are speculative in nature and may involve risk to principal and interest.—
Katie Stockton,
CNBC,
15 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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For the moment though, the arm-packing robo-mower is still conceptual, and the NexLawn team hasn't revealed any production plans.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
11 Sep. 2025
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Thom Browne, designer The designer has become globally recognized for his avant-garde approach to women’s and men’s, couture and even home, with conceptual runway shows that are must-sees in New York and Paris.—
WWD Staff,
Footwear News,
10 Sep. 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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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
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Not abstract, delayed or generalized data, but precise, real-time and location-specific insights delivered from the world’s most remote forests, deepest watersheds and most polluted urban corridors.—
Michael De Nil,
Forbes.com,
11 Sep. 2025
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As anyone who’s ever had a two-year-old could tell you, kids that age don’t quite see things in such abstract terms.—
David Ehrlich,
IndieWire,
10 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Theoretical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/theoretical. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.
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