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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of theoretical
For now, refunds are largely theoretical.
—
Elisabeth Buchwald, CNN Money, 24 Feb. 2026
Manifolds are central to modern mathematics, as well as theoretical physics, where they’re used to map out space and time.
—Joseph Howlett, Scientific American, 24 Feb. 2026
In retrospect, my earnest lessons seem very theoretical, very quaint.
—Sayantani Dasgupta
february 24, Literary Hub, 24 Feb. 2026
The new dynamic between Harbaugh, senior VP of football operations and strategy Dawn Aponte and GM Joe Schoen will turn from a conceptual and partially theoretical conversation to a living reality as the Giants begin building their roster for the fall.
—Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 23 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for theoretical
Elisabeth Buchwald, CNN Money, 24 Feb. 2026
Manifolds are central to modern mathematics, as well as theoretical physics, where they’re used to map out space and time.
—Joseph Howlett, Scientific American, 24 Feb. 2026
In retrospect, my earnest lessons seem very theoretical, very quaint.
—Sayantani Dasgupta
february 24, Literary Hub, 24 Feb. 2026
The new dynamic between Harbaugh, senior VP of football operations and strategy Dawn Aponte and GM Joe Schoen will turn from a conceptual and partially theoretical conversation to a living reality as the Giants begin building their roster for the fall.
—Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 23 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for theoretical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for theoretical
Adjective
-
Channel hypothetical intensity into movement that others can see.—
Tarot.com,
Baltimore Sun,
1 Mar. 2026
-
Recent polls show Flávio Bolsonaro and Lula as almost tied in a hypothetical run-off vote.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
1 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
The general thrust of the changes were to de-melodramatize Salieri’s action and to focus more attention on his guilt and metaphysical torment.—
Theater Critic,
Los Angeles Times,
18 Feb. 2026
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But, after Hume, liberals came increasingly to find even the barest invocation of metaphysical principles to be an embarrassment.—
Christopher Beha,
New Yorker,
14 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Unfortunately, that is often not the best thing to do, and leads to him giving up possession through speculative shots or running into a tight spot when team-mates are in better positions.—
Cerys Jones,
New York Times,
28 Feb. 2026
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Lawmakers have raised concerns about rising power bills, transparency, and whether utility customers will be left paying for massive infrastructure projects tied to speculative demand.—
Matt Parr,
Chicago Tribune,
28 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
The new dynamic between Harbaugh, senior VP of football operations and strategy Dawn Aponte and GM Joe Schoen will turn from a conceptual and partially theoretical conversation to a living reality as the Giants begin building their roster for the fall.—
Pat Leonard,
New York Daily News,
23 Feb. 2026
-
The play’s split focus, moving between 1958 and the present, is a sign of conceptual ambition.—
Arts Editor,
Los Angeles Times,
20 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Projections of economic gains from major sporting events are typically optimistic, euphoric, chimerical or conjectural.—
Michael Hiltzik,
Los Angeles Times,
19 June 2025
-
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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The cognitive processes behind adaptation Far from being rudimentary, the study investigated the neural mechanics behind these visual representations, suggesting the presence of abstract thought—a crucial step in the evolution of human thinking.—
Maria Mocerino,
Interesting Engineering,
1 Mar. 2026
-
Another nearby painting, hung next to the vault, subtly mirrors the coloring and abstract markings of the marble veining.—
Kristen Tauer,
Footwear News,
1 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Even study or doing a mental journey of some kind will interest you and satisfy your crave for excitement.—
Georgia Nicols,
Denver Post,
24 Feb. 2026
-
As with every person who has his name on a book, Mercer was enthusiastic about its content and a simple message of how someone can get through the day without falling victim to drugs, alcohol and the various forms of mental torture.—
Jerry Shnay,
Chicago Tribune,
23 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Theoretical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/theoretical. Accessed 3 Mar. 2026.
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