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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of theoretical
Now, as the current administration revisits privatizing these institutions, the conversation is no longer theoretical and the implications for buyers, sellers and homeowners are impossible to ignore.
—
Budge Huskey, USA Today, 25 June 2025
That album was a theoretical template for what Star Trak would inevitably produce: records that toyed with the conventions of modern hip-hop and R&B while bending the will of pop music towards it.
—Steven J. Horowitz, Variety, 25 June 2025
My spreadsheet looked at this theoretical renting advantage with a longer-term lens: Over five years, assuming that renting’s savings are cut 3% a year as the landlord raises prices.
—Jonathan Lansner, Oc Register, 23 June 2025
These frameworks are not theoretical, as they are based on real-world leadership challenges and offer actionable tools leaders can apply immediately.
—Tony Gambill, Forbes.com, 24 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for theoretical
Budge Huskey, USA Today, 25 June 2025
That album was a theoretical template for what Star Trak would inevitably produce: records that toyed with the conventions of modern hip-hop and R&B while bending the will of pop music towards it.
—Steven J. Horowitz, Variety, 25 June 2025
My spreadsheet looked at this theoretical renting advantage with a longer-term lens: Over five years, assuming that renting’s savings are cut 3% a year as the landlord raises prices.
—Jonathan Lansner, Oc Register, 23 June 2025
These frameworks are not theoretical, as they are based on real-world leadership challenges and offer actionable tools leaders can apply immediately.
—Tony Gambill, Forbes.com, 24 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for theoretical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for theoretical
Adjective
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Meanwhile, civil society groups, ranging from the Electronic Frontier Foundation to the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, argue that those harms are not hypothetical, but are here now.—
Paulo Carvão,
Forbes.com,
7 July 2025
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The challenge here was to think about a hypothetical world unique and singular to the world of the film – neither past, present nor future.—
Georg Szalai,
HollywoodReporter,
3 July 2025
Adjective
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Vendors will offer beads, minerals, gemstones, custom jewelry, fossils, artifacts, and metaphysical stones.—
Joe Rassel,
The Orlando Sentinel,
2 July 2025
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Body Mind Spirit Celebration Enjoy entertainment, shop metaphysical vendors, get a reading or healing, and explore live learning sessions that include crystals, holistic wellness, tarot and more at this celebration of the body, mind and spirit.—
Luann Gibbs,
The Enquirer,
2 July 2025
Adjective
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Even with the recent resurgence in speculative stocks, the Schwab US Large-Cap Value ETF (SCHV), is outperforming its growth sibling, the Schwab US Large-Cap Growth ETF (SCHG) +8.35% versus +4.34% year-to-date.—
James Berman,
Forbes.com,
2 July 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,
30 June 2025
Adjective
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For more than a decade, Bea Interiors Design has offered a full range of services including conceptual design, custom furniture and finishes, project coordination, art procurement and installation, and lighting and furniture design.—
Dan Howarth,
Architectural Digest,
7 July 2025
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But officials have shelved early, more ambitious conceptual features, partly because of environmental limitations.—
John Tuohy,
IndyStar,
2 July 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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But the possible consequences of an Iranian nuclear capability are largely conjectural (save for one: nobody would think of invading Iran anymore).—
Barry R. Posen,
Foreign Affairs,
7 Sep. 2010
Adjective
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On the right ear cup, abstract linework inspired by audio waveforms flows across the surface.—
Mark Sparrow,
Forbes.com,
7 July 2025
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The electric blue theme continues with decorative abstract paintings resembling lava lamp patterns on the wall.—
Keith Pandolfi,
The Enquirer,
2 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Theoretical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/theoretical. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.
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