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
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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
The new findings, published Wednesday (May 14) in the journal Nature, show that abstract mathematical concepts from theoretical physics have practical use in modeling space-time ripples, paving the way for more precise models to interpret observational data.
—
Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 16 May 2025
The 26-year-old is entering his theoretical prime and is coming off a career year with averages of 20.2 points, 5.8 assists and 4.5 rebounds in 73 games (all starts), and making a career-best 200 3-pointers (37.7% shooting from beyond the arc, 46% from the field overall).
—Khobi Price, Oc Register, 15 May 2025
The measurement reflects the overall health of a facility and is calculated by dividing repair costs with theoretical replacement costs.
—Lina Ruiz, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 May 2025
But to sacrifice Negan to The Dama in theoretical perpetuity?
—Charlie Mason, TVLine, 5 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for theoretical
Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 16 May 2025
The 26-year-old is entering his theoretical prime and is coming off a career year with averages of 20.2 points, 5.8 assists and 4.5 rebounds in 73 games (all starts), and making a career-best 200 3-pointers (37.7% shooting from beyond the arc, 46% from the field overall).
—Khobi Price, Oc Register, 15 May 2025
The measurement reflects the overall health of a facility and is calculated by dividing repair costs with theoretical replacement costs.
—Lina Ruiz, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 May 2025
But to sacrifice Negan to The Dama in theoretical perpetuity?
—Charlie Mason, TVLine, 5 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for theoretical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for theoretical
Adjective
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Health has been viewed primarily as a function of hypothetical future costs in wealth planning.—
Joseph Coughlin,
Forbes.com,
19 May 2025
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The debate over Rose’s place in Cooperstown is now more than a hypothetical.—
C. Trent Rosecrans,
New York Times,
15 May 2025
Adjective
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Her interest in mysteries and the occult began in the metaphysical section at her local Borders.—
Roya Backlund,
StyleCaster,
16 May 2025
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In my adolescence, the fight turned emotional and metaphysical, mirroring the peaks and valleys of hormonal mood shifts.—
Carla Sosenko,
Vogue,
8 May 2025
Adjective
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Biden's attorney jumped in to clarify that Hur's team had asked a speculative question that did not reflect Biden's initial answer.—
Sarah D. Wire,
USA Today,
18 May 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,
12 May 2025
Adjective
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Production and Future Outlook The AI Pro has progressed beyond the conceptual stage, with prototypes manufactured by Global Foundries in Dresden.—
Ron Schmelzer,
Forbes.com,
20 May 2025
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The initial development agreement for the town center was approved back in 2006, long before the project had a conceptual site plan.—
James Wilkins,
The Orlando Sentinel,
17 May 2025
Adjective
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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
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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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Titled Three Coverings, Fleming’s larger-than-life, abstract sculptures occupy a garden evocative of the British countryside.—
Lee Sharrock,
Forbes.com,
20 May 2025
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Pieces even feature abstract prints of Mickey and friends wandering through sci-fi scenery.—
Violet Goldstone,
Footwear News,
19 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Theoretical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/theoretical. Accessed 23 May. 2025.
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