theoretical

adjective

ˌthē-ə-ˈre-ti-kəl How to pronounce theoretical (audio)
variants also theoretic
Definition of theoreticalnext
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

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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

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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 The most remarkable part is that Veloce isn't presenting the Aperion as a mere theoretical engineering exercise. — New Atlas, 6 Nov. 2026 Instead, much of the ISM appears to be unstable — a finding that directly contradicts the leading theoretical models taught in textbooks. — Perri Thaler, Quanta Magazine, 30 Oct. 2026 The class is designed to appeal to students who might be drawn to a more practical curriculum than a more theoretical subject such as AP economics, which was already and still is offered at high schools like this one. — Stephan Bisaha, NPR, 29 Oct. 2026 Such scenarios may become more common as militaries continue to deploy a once-theoretical technology — AI-assisted or autonomous weapons, capable of making both targeting and launch decisions on their own — on real battlefields around the globe. — Kylie Jones, Vox, 25 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for theoretical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for theoretical
  1. hypothetical
  2. metaphysical
  3. speculative
  4. conceptual
  5. conjectural
  6. abstract
  7. mental
Adjective
  • The Supreme Court Despite being asked several times on the campaign trail—thanks to the vacancy left by Antonin Scalia in February 2016—Clinton never revealed her hypothetical pick for late justice’s Supreme Court seat.
    — Hugh Cameron, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Nov. 2026
  • Often called Planet Nine—poking fun at professional astronomers’ 2006 demotion of Pluto from being the solar system’s ninth planet—this hypothetical body’s existence has been hotly debated, though that hasn’t slowed the search.
    — Phil Plait, Scientific American, 6 Nov. 2026
Definition of hypothetical
Adjective
  • In both films, everything comes in threes, the incessant crosscutting is accorded a flashy metaphysical weight, and time itself is manipulated, distorted, and rearranged to the point of meaninglessness.
    — Justin Chang, New Yorker, 3 Nov. 2026
  • Conference-goers are here to sample and peruse the shifting practices of the nation’s market for metaphysical beliefs.
    — Sam Kestenbaum, Harpers Magazine, 27 Oct. 2026
Definition of metaphysical
Adjective
  • These smaller upstart computing providers are more speculative bets on the AI boom, with weaker balance sheets than the incumbent megacaps.
    — Kevin Stankiewicz, CNBC, 4 Nov. 2026
  • She may have been sold to an out-of-state game farm, said sources who spoke to Outdoor Life on the condition that they wouldn’t be identified based on the speculative nature of their hunches.
    — Andrew McKean, Outdoor Life, 29 Oct. 2026
Definition of speculative
Adjective
  • The only way to fully understand the key mechanisms of democracy is through learning their conceptual mathematical foundations.
    — Ismar Volić, Washington Post, 8 Nov. 2026
  • Firstman had handed him Eric Goode’s book on Area, the legendary 1980s Tribeca club where a corner might display a cheeky conceptual piece by Andy Warhol or a nude model dressed to look like a statue.
    — Adriane Quinlan, Curbed, 5 Nov. 2026
Definition of conceptual
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
Definition of conjectural
Adjective
  • But no deal has materialized because Fenkel and Katz have ruthlessly protected A24’s cool factor (the abstract secret sauce that’s trained younger generations to reclaim the moviegoing experience and make edgy auteurs their idols).
    — Matt Donnelly, Variety, 4 Nov. 2026
  • Clients will feel the consequences not as abstract regulatory distinctions, but as higher bills, slower service and fewer choices.
    — Will Hausberg, Fortune, 4 Nov. 2026
Definition of abstract
Adjective
  • When asked what part of her golf game has improved the most since last year, Layla Phillips cited mental toughness.
    — Steve Galluzzo, Los Angeles Times, 6 Nov. 2026
  • Hell Week is designed to test the physical and mental limits of candidates.
    — James LaPorta, CBS News, 5 Nov. 2026
Definition of mental

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theorems
theoretical
theories
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Cite this Entry

“Theoretical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/theoretical. Accessed 12 Nov. 2026.

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