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 Protect your pace, decline the extra task, and let self-respect be practical instead of theoretical today. — Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 3 Aug. 2026 Genetic targets once considered theoretical are now being addressed through precision medicine. — Christopher Campos, STAT, 3 Aug. 2026 But each alternative scenario encountered insurmountable theoretical limitations. — Robert Lea, Space.com, 29 July 2026 Standard theoretical techniques don’t work on the strong force. — Matt Von Hippel, Quanta Magazine, 29 July 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
  • Mortality, even if distant or hypothetical, is implicit in every patient encounter.
    — Dr. Lucy McBride, Time, 8 Aug. 2026
  • The then-hypothetical facility had been a critical contingency for Riley, who never toured USC’s facilities, but knew — like most people around college football — that the Trojans were seriously lacking in that department.
    — Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of hypothetical
Adjective
  • That Dante lived during both the 13th and 14th centuries — and that Tosches’ movements as his novel’s protagonist take place at the start of the 21st century — means nothing in Schnabel’s meta-metaphysical realm.
    — A.D. Amorosi, SPIN, 6 Aug. 2026
  • The war on language is more metaphysical than just the policing of proper social justice terminology, Williams argues.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 23 July 2026
Definition of metaphysical
Adjective
  • This view is consistent with broader market data showing capital flowing toward defensible, cash-generative services businesses, and with the sharp repricing of speculative software valuations since 2022.
    — Gustaf Lundberg Toresson, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026
  • Possible successors Kim Jong-Un has not publicly designated a successor, and assessments of North Korea’s future leadership remain largely speculative.
    — Ethan Teekah, Encyclopedia Britannica, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of speculative
Adjective
  • This math curriculum, designed around state grade-level standards, prioritizes deeper understanding, rather than memorization, to help students develop conceptual understanding over time, said district spokesperson James Canning.
    — Jemma Stephenson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Aug. 2026
  • The conceptual and performance artist will be feted with an Award of Inspiration while Rexha is due to hit the stage on the heels of the release of her latest album Dirty Blonde.
    — Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 10 Aug. 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
  • When that motivation is directed at abstract problems, it gets called intellectual.
    — Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026
  • The researchers’ work, an unedited version of which saw early publication last month in the journal Nature Communications, makes this abstract question about prime numbers more tangible than ever before.
    — Joseph Howlett, Scientific American, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of abstract
Adjective
  • Check the number, ask one practical question, and choose what supports your comfort without adding unnecessary clutter, cost, or mental noise today.
    — Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Andrew’s research now largely focuses on how brain function is associated with various mental states—in particular, religious and mystical experiences.
    — Big Think, Big Think, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of mental

Browse Nearby Words

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 13 Aug. 2026.

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