thought experiment

noun

Examples of thought experiment in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Without empirical evidence, or perhaps even the possibility of it, quantum gravity researchers seem to give more weight than usual to principles, thought experiments, even qualities like simplicity and elegance. Amanda Gefter, Quanta Magazine, 25 Sep. 2024 Recall the Schrödinger’s cat thought experiment, in which a cat exists in a superposition of states, both dead and alive. Hartmut Neven, Scientific American, 8 Aug. 2024 What that thought experiment shows is that children in the fluoridated community face a higher level of risk. Tribune News Service, The Mercury News, 28 May 2024 This thought experiment piques the curiosity of researchers who study language and computing. Kat Friedrich, Popular Mechanics, 25 July 2023 See all Example Sentences for thought experiment 

Word History

First Known Use

1854, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of thought experiment was in 1854

Dictionary Entries Near thought experiment

Cite this Entry

“Thought experiment.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/thought%20experiment. Accessed 15 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on thought experiment

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!