notional

adjective

ˈnō-sh(ə-)nəl How to pronounce notional (audio)
Definition of notionalnext
1
as in theoretical
dealing with or expressing a quality or idea she has a notional understanding of romantic love but no actual experience of being in love

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in imaginary
not real and existing only in the imagination your computer's "visits" to various parts of cyberspace are entirely notional—you stay put and the Web pages come to you

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of notional If your quarterly goal is to raise conversion and the biggest drop-off sits in checkout, then that flow should become your priority, not a notional footer redesign. — Polina Chebanova, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026 No matchup is notional from here on. — Louisa Thomas, New Yorker, 27 June 2026 The challenge is that orbital data centers are mostly notional, and not actually demonstrated by operating tech — at least yet. — Elizabeth Howell, Space.com, 11 June 2026 That places an emphasis on tangible experiences versus notional projects that may or may not go anywhere. — Matthew Carey, Deadline, 10 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for notional
Recent Examples of Synonyms for notional
  1. theoretical
  2. imaginary
  3. metaphysical
  4. fictitious
  5. abstract
  6. fictional
  7. conceptual
  8. mythical
Adjective
  • Although the idea of putting data centers into space has long been discussed on a theoretical basis, the technology has rapidly become a red-hot topic.
    — Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 15 July 2026
  • That was driven by the theoretical potential of AI to displace traditional software, but IBM’s profit warning appeared to confirm that a secular shift is now under way.
    — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 15 July 2026
Definition of theoretical
Adjective
  • Anyway, Will Venable has my imaginary vote, though Mike Vasil's wizardry might be the bigger reason why the White Sox are rolling.
    — Andy McCullough, New York Times, 17 July 2026
  • Her function in the movie is less goddess and more imaginary friend.
    — Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 17 July 2026
Definition of imaginary
Adjective
  • Varsha’s mysterious memories are apparently linked to a much larger set of crises, and in order to make sense of these connections, both Dinu and Ghosh will have to dispense with the material and tread into the metaphysical.
    — Robert Rubsam, The Atlantic, 20 July 2026
  • For me, the metaphysical questions always come first, and the story emerges organically from the questions.
    — Deborah Treisman, New Yorker, 19 July 2026
Definition of metaphysical
Adjective
  • The victim provided the service and was given a fictitious check as payment.
    — Anne Gelhaus, Mercury News, 17 July 2026
  • The book traces the fictitious Yeoman family’s evolution over generations from self-sufficient homesteaders to participants in global markets.
    — Livia Gershon, JSTOR Daily, 23 June 2026
Definition of fictitious
Adjective
  • Scientists had long understood the mechanism of climate change, but what was once an abstract concept on a graph is now a palpable experience.
    — Adam Frank, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026
  • The Jean Paul Gaultier collection by Duran Lantink focused on bold and abstract silhouettes.
    — Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 17 July 2026
Definition of abstract
Adjective
  • Rather than shattering the illusion, the heroine invents an increasingly elaborate fictional life to protect her mother — and, ultimately, herself.
    — Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 21 July 2026
  • Her feature-length films include the documentaries The factory is full (2012) and Shores (2015), and the fictional feature Pawn Street (2017).
    — Zac Ntim, Deadline, 21 July 2026
Definition of fictional
Adjective
  • Amy Oppenheim also talked about the enjoyable process of working with the museum on a show by her husband, Dennis Oppenheim, the conceptual and land artist who passed away in 2011.
    — Vanessa Grigoriadis, Vanity Fair, 21 July 2026
  • Lange and Reyna used the time apart as a wide-open creative space, not so much focused on any specific conceptual or a philosophical (or even emotional) basis for the record, but on a feeling of soft moodiness.
    — E.R. Pulgar, Pitchfork, 20 July 2026
Definition of conceptual
Adjective
  • Here’s everything to know about The Odyssey characters, mythical creatures and gods.
    — Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 18 July 2026
  • In fact, the mythical character of Odysseus does not deserve the blame.
    — Eliana Dockterman, Time, 17 July 2026
Definition of mythical

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Cite this Entry

“Notional.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/notional. Accessed 23 Jul. 2026.

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