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
Christensen holds a bachelor of science in mechanical engineering from the University of New Mexico, a master of science in mechanical engineering from the California Institute of Technology and a doctorate in theoretical and applied mechanics from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
—
Elizabeth Hernandez, Denver Post, 7 May 2026
At the city’s stated minimum fine of $158 per red-light camera citation, the 751 red-light violations would represent a theoretical $118,658 in civil penalties, or about $9,888 per hour, if each violation had resulted in a citation.
—Theo Karantsalis, Miami Herald, 7 May 2026
There are some interesting theoretical possibilities with varying degrees of risk.
—Jonas Siegel, New York Times, 7 May 2026
The concern is not theoretical.
—CBS News, 7 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for theoretical
Elizabeth Hernandez, Denver Post, 7 May 2026
At the city’s stated minimum fine of $158 per red-light camera citation, the 751 red-light violations would represent a theoretical $118,658 in civil penalties, or about $9,888 per hour, if each violation had resulted in a citation.
—Theo Karantsalis, Miami Herald, 7 May 2026
There are some interesting theoretical possibilities with varying degrees of risk.
—Jonas Siegel, New York Times, 7 May 2026
The concern is not theoretical.
—CBS News, 7 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for theoretical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for theoretical
Adjective
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The prosecutor also asked W to opine as to whether certain hypothetical facts, which closely resembled the facts in the cases involving P and C, were consistent with grooming behavior.—
Staff Report,
Hartford Courant,
9 May 2026
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The question was, in essence, hypothetical.—
Maddie Lee,
Los Angeles Times,
8 May 2026
Adjective
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Mercifully, those connections are not forged across time and space; all three stories remain discrete, never approaching a moment of grandiose metaphysical convergence.—
Justin Chang,
New Yorker,
8 May 2026
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Conversations might turn to metaphysical issues or charitable activities.—
Georgia Nicols,
Denver Post,
2 May 2026
Adjective
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Like other collectible alternative assets, such as fine art, rare watches and classic cars, cask investing is a high-risk, speculative, long-term bet on a largely unregulated, illiquid asset.—
Hugh Leask,
CNBC,
9 May 2026
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Plans by Becknell are to build the speculative structure, to be called Northwind North Business Park, and utilize it for light industrial businesses to rent.—
Deborah Laverty,
Chicago Tribune,
8 May 2026
Adjective
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Enthralled by Felipe Rose, a go-go boy decked out in Native American regalia at the Anvil, a notorious gay Manhattan disco, Morali applied that approach to his next conceptual act, Village People.—
CT Jones,
Rolling Stone,
11 May 2026
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Turkish defense officials stated that the project is not limited to a conceptual display and has moved into an active development and testing phase.—
Prabhat Ranjan Mishra,
Interesting Engineering,
8 May 2026
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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Jules’ colorful shadows - Season 1, Episode 5 One of the most artistic makeup looks from season 1, Jules’ (Hunter Schafer) colorful eyelids look a bit like an abstract painting.—
Hannah Kerns,
PEOPLE,
10 May 2026
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The body art is a purple, red, yellow, green, and blue scribble—quite abstract expressionist.—
Anna Cafolla,
Vogue,
10 May 2026
Adjective
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Today’s energy heightens your emotions, intuition and mental sensitivity, making conversations feel uncomfortably layered.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
11 May 2026
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Experts say carrying unresolved trauma and stress over time can affect both mental and physical health.—
Nicky Zizaza,
CBS News,
11 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Theoretical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/theoretical. Accessed 13 May. 2026.
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