hypothetical 1 of 2

adjective

ˌhī-pə-ˈthe-ti-kəl How to pronounce hypothetical (audio)
Definition of hypotheticalnext
as in theoretic
existing only as an assumption or speculation we talked about what we would do in various hypothetical emergencies

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

hypothetical

2 of 2

noun

as in assumption
something taken as being true or factual and used as a starting point for a course of action or reasoning believes that predictions of the extinction of certain species as the result of global warming are based upon too many hypotheticals

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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 hypothetical
Adjective
Its risks, therefore, have become largely hypothetical. — Dylan Scott, Vox, 18 Mar. 2025 Durant brought up the results of a recent WCVB/UMass poll that tested Healey in hypothetical match-ups against himself and other possible Republican candidates. — State House News Service, Boston Herald, 17 Mar. 2025 Even hypothetical campers in the Chery Journeo's slide-out pano-pod or atop the Hymer Venture S' flippable rear deck have cause to feel a little jealous looking at that cascading outdoor lounger. — New Atlas, 17 Mar. 2025 Judge, however, in this hypothetical world, will be able to shake off any injury woes and continue to rake as well as ever despite the departure of Juan Soto, leading to him winning his third MVP award as the Yankees take after their best player and win the division crown. — Mark Davis, Newsweek, 15 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for hypothetical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hypothetical
  1. assumption
  2. speculative
  3. theory
  4. theoretical
  5. hypothesis
Noun
  • However, many professionals in the field are beginning to acknowledge that these requirements stem from outdated assumptions.
    — Jesse Rhoades, The Conversation, 11 Mar. 2025
  • This idea shines in Curiosity Collects More Customers, where Ridge explains that leaders must constantly challenge their own assumptions and seek fresh perspectives—whether from employees, customers, or even competitors.
    — Nell Derick Debevoise, Forbes, 11 Mar. 2025
Definition of assumption
Adjective
  • Implementing stronger oversight for speculative assets.
    — Susie Violet Ward, Forbes, 18 Mar. 2025
  • Any financial instruments mentioned herein are speculative in nature and may involve risk to principal and interest.
    — Katie Stockton, CNBC, 17 Mar. 2025
Definition of speculative
Noun
  • This is a theory that has been championed by Polish theoretical physicist Nikodem Poplawski of the University of New Haven.
    — Robert Lea, Space.com, 13 Mar. 2025
  • The theory is soon put to rest, though, when Rivera Garza starts receiving strange messages from the killer, signed with the names of different female artists.
    — Nicolás Medina Mora, The Atlantic, 13 Mar. 2025
Definition of theory
Adjective
  • This isn’t just theoretical—Ben & Jerry’s founders have openly discussed buying back the brand from Unilever.
    — Stephanie Gravalese, Forbes, 20 Mar. 2025
  • The best theoretical fit thus far is known as the Lambda CDM model, which incorporates both a weakly interacting cold dark matter and dark energy.
    — Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 19 Mar. 2025
Definition of theoretical
Noun
  • The causes of both events had been long debated, however one hypothesis has linked them to depletions in the Earth's protective ozone layer, such as might be caused by a supernova going off in local space.
    — David Faris, Newsweek, 17 Mar. 2025
  • The leading explanation for all of these mysteries is known as the giant impact hypothesis.
    — Paul Sutter, Space.com, 17 Mar. 2025
Definition of hypothesis

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“Hypothetical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hypothetical. Accessed 26 Mar. 2025.

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