hypothetical

adjective

hy·​po·​thet·​i·​cal ˌhī-pə-ˈthe-ti-kəl 

: involving or being based on a suggested idea or theory : being or involving a hypothesis : conjectural

hypothetical arguments

a hypothetical situation

hypothetical noun

Synonyms

• academic
• academical
• conjectural
• speculative
• suppositional
• theoretical
• theoretic

Examples of hypothetical in a Sentence

She described a hypothetical case to clarify her point.

we talked about what we would do in various hypothetical emergencies

Recent Examples on the Web

While the exact rules of the Game of 20 generally remain unknown, researchers have previously proposed some hypothetical rules for one variant—the Ur game. —Newsweek, 20 Dec. 2024

Another breed of hypothetical particle, axions are predicted to exist by quantum chromodynamics, which is our best quantum theory of the strong force that binds quarks together to form protons, neutrons and ultimately atomic nuclei. —Keith Cooper, Space.com, 19 Dec. 2024

The average of these two numbers — the hypothetical median Senate seat — is R+3.4. —G. Elliott Morris, ABC News, 12 Dec. 2024

Attendees will have opportunities to ask questions and discuss hypothetical scenarios in breakout sessions, Rubio said. —Gina Lee Castro, Journal Sentinel, 12 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1588, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

hypothetical

adjective

hy·​po·​thet·​i·​cal ˌhi-pə-ˈthet-i-kəl 

1

: involving a hypothesis or the making of assumptions : assumed

2

: imagined for purposes of example

a hypothetical case

hypothetically

-i-k(ə-)lē 

adverb