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
But You fans invested in a theoretical off-screen romance.
—
Tommy McArdle, PEOPLE, 27 Oct. 2025
The risk for both Milei and Washington is not theoretical.
—Jesus Mesa, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Oct. 2025
The relationship between trust and growth is not theoretical.
—Dave Smith, Fortune, 25 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
See All Example Sentences for theoretical
Tommy McArdle, PEOPLE, 27 Oct. 2025
The risk for both Milei and Washington is not theoretical.
—Jesus Mesa, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Oct. 2025
The relationship between trust and growth is not theoretical.
—Dave Smith, Fortune, 25 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
See All Example Sentences for theoretical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for theoretical
Adjective
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In non-hypothetical basketball news, the episode also dives into the WNBA’s moment of unprecedented growth.—
J.J. Bailey,
New York Times,
2 Nov. 2025
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Early last month, text messages from 2022 show Jay Jones, the Democratic nominee for attorney general and a former member of the Virginia legislature, describing hypothetical violence against a political opponent.—
Jahd Khalil,
NPR,
2 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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Beverly, a waitress who had another daughter and then a son in the two years after Smith was born (and eventually one more daughter), had little time for her eldest’s metaphysical ponderings.—
Amy Weiss-Meyer,
The Atlantic,
31 Oct. 2025
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The film follows a young couple (Qualley and Starkey), who inherit a farm in rural Arkansas and must conquer the demons, both physical and metaphysical, that haunt its legacy.—
Justin Kroll,
Deadline,
31 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Below are the three most salient lessons from the depths of the speculative fiction trenches.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
4 Nov. 2025
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Morgan Stanley Wealth Management’s chief investment officer, Lisa Shalett, issued a note to clients yesterday arguing that now may be the time to sell speculative tech stocks.—
Jim Edwards,
Fortune,
4 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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While it’s not set to seat any diners or plate any steaks until the official opening in August 2026, the dining partners revealed Tuesday a first look at the renderings along with conceptual and design details.—
Chris Gardner,
HollywoodReporter,
28 Oct. 2025
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Maybe less conceptual freedom, but more freedom to take risks.—
Ethan Shanfeld,
Variety,
25 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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Point out trails, prevailing winds, terrain funnels, food sources, buck sign — things that might seem obvious to you but might be abstract to them.—
The Editors,
Outdoor Life,
30 Oct. 2025
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It can be learned formally or informally, and often includes bright colors and abstract, whimsical designs.—
Rachel DeSantis,
PEOPLE,
30 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Industry pushback and innovation concerns Some tech companies argue that such regulation could stifle innovation, limit beneficial uses of conversational AI (education, mental-health support for older teens) or impose heavy compliance burdens.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
5 Nov. 2025
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Regular exercise can prevent the physical and mental impacts of SWSD.—
Pamela Assid,
Verywell Health,
5 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Theoretical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/theoretical. Accessed 6 Nov. 2025.
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