as in theoretical
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
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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Recent Examples of hypothetical
Robert Schmad, The Washington Examiner, 2 Jan. 2026
Takaichi angered China by giving a hypothetical example of such a situation, a deviation from former leaders’ strategic ambiguity.
—Mari Yamaguchi, Los Angeles Times, 31 Dec. 2025
Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 20 Oct. 2025
The narrative too often focuses on headlines and hypotheticals, rather than on structure, incentives, and outcomes.
—Dave Smith, Fortune, 17 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for hypothetical
Adjective
Such a possibility is far from being a mere hypothetical.
—Noun
Bell might also question those billionaires and pose hypotheticals to gauge their reactions.
—Recent Examples of Synonyms for hypothetical
Adjective
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In solving an 80-year-old chemical mystery, the researchers have not only answered a long-standing theoretical question but also expanded the toolbox of modern chemistry.—
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Beat writer Lauren Williams walks us through a few theoretical trades here.—
Noun
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As the video spread, viewers flooded the comments with advice, concern and assumptions about her daily life.—
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Similar to fellow Arsenal summer signing Eberechi Eze — another keen chess player — the assumption would be that the skills taken from the board game have helped Zubimendi be a step ahead in enticing and then bypassing opposition players.—
Adjective
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Forecasting revenues over a 99-year period stretches credibility, as economic models typically lose reliability within five years, making century-long projections speculative at best.—
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Government lawyers urged the court to dismiss the case, arguing no specific plaintiff has faced deportation or visa revocation and that any harm is speculative.—
Noun
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Those are, indeed, pat, credible theories and predictions.—
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But now, in the planet’s capital city of Apperax, a murder is committed with no suspects, forensics or theories.—
Noun
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The story of the Platonic representation hypothesis paper began in early 2023, a turbulent time for AI researchers.—
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Furthermore, Jie said that laboratory simulations support the hypothesis that the majority of the surface regolith inside Shackleton Crater is conducive to the stable preservation of water ice.—
Cite this Entry
“Hypothetical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hypothetical. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.
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