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
By developing a new theoretical relation describing just how compact neutron stars — which are the remnants of massive stars that have gone supernova — can get, researchers have found a way to test the properties of nuclear physics under very extreme conditions.
—
Keith Cooper, Space.com, 24 Oct. 2025
What those theoretical other versions wouldn’t have been, though, is influential — or at least impactful enough that somebody would have been making a feature film about them in 2025.
—Chris Willman, Variety, 24 Oct. 2025
The proof required a mix of theoretical advances and massive computer calculations, and relies on a delicate property of the Noperthedron’s vertices.
—Erica Klarreich, Quanta Magazine, 24 Oct. 2025
For now, this is of course mostly theoretical.
—Justin Worland, Time, 24 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for theoretical
Keith Cooper, Space.com, 24 Oct. 2025
What those theoretical other versions wouldn’t have been, though, is influential — or at least impactful enough that somebody would have been making a feature film about them in 2025.
—Chris Willman, Variety, 24 Oct. 2025
The proof required a mix of theoretical advances and massive computer calculations, and relies on a delicate property of the Noperthedron’s vertices.
—Erica Klarreich, Quanta Magazine, 24 Oct. 2025
For now, this is of course mostly theoretical.
—Justin Worland, Time, 24 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for theoretical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for theoretical
Adjective
-
In a hypothetical 2028 matchup, an Emerson College poll found Newsom trailing Republican Vice President JD Vance by a narrow margin, 46 to 45 percent—reflecting growing competitiveness compared to previous surveys.—
Hollie Silverman,
MSNBC Newsweek,
26 Oct. 2025
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Many regional observers believe Barghouti is the only figure capable of uniting the Palestinians; polls show him as a leading candidate in a hypothetical election for President of the Palestinian Authority.—
Eric Cortellessa,
Time,
23 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Her poetry carries it all—the metaphysical, the flirtatious, the unsettling, the provocative— all in such miniscule space.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
17 Oct. 2025
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Yoga and sound baths set the tone, but the property also offers a roster of metaphysical experiences for those curious for something more.—
Susmita Baral,
Travel + Leisure,
14 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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The overall message from Amazon reflected a familiar impulse in Corporate America to reduce headcount in the face of rising prices, an unpredictable trade war and a potential (though still largely speculative) artificial-intelligence revolution.—
Allison Morrow,
CNN Money,
28 Oct. 2025
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While federal grand juries operate in secrecy, any connection between their proceedings and political claims remains speculative unless confirmed by official sources.—
Robert Alexander,
MSNBC Newsweek,
27 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Maybe less conceptual freedom, but more freedom to take risks.—
Ethan Shanfeld,
Variety,
25 Oct. 2025
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The case studies featured in Unleashed Potential punctuate the conceptual and turn it into literal.—
Essence,
Essence,
24 Oct. 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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Kaish’s abstract collages certainly seem to incorporate their shapes.—
Grace Edquist,
Vogue,
23 Oct. 2025
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There were organza gowns adorned with miniature pastel rosettes and puff-sleeve pink frocks with abstract floral appliqués for the princess.—
Tianwei Zhang,
Footwear News,
23 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Theoretical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/theoretical. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.
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