variants
also theoretic
1
as in hypothetical
existing only as an assumption or speculation
the merits of the new testing procedures are purely theoretical, since no one has ever used them before
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in metaphysical
dealing with or expressing a quality or idea
the theoretical musings in his new book are less engaging than the anecdote-driven arguments of his previous works
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of theoretical
This seemingly theoretical question about the longtime U.S. trading partner has taken on more relevance in the past several weeks.
—
Jay L. Zagorsky, The Conversation, 4 Apr. 2025
While Chris' construction of a xenon-halogen laser to solve the power problem was purely theoretical at the time, the underlying scientific details were later outlined in a scientific paper—a fitting example of how science and Hollywood can both benefit from such collaborations.
—ArsTechnica, 2 Apr. 2025
Over the ensuing fifteen years, publications about the theoretical or methodological implications of computer vision for the study of art have proliferated, generating an extensive discourse about its potentials.
—Sonja Drimmer, Artforum, 1 Apr. 2025
Google leverages the theoretical power of generative AI to give Gemini access to data across multiple apps.
—ArsTechnica, 1 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for theoretical
Jay L. Zagorsky, The Conversation, 4 Apr. 2025
While Chris' construction of a xenon-halogen laser to solve the power problem was purely theoretical at the time, the underlying scientific details were later outlined in a scientific paper—a fitting example of how science and Hollywood can both benefit from such collaborations.
—ArsTechnica, 2 Apr. 2025
Over the ensuing fifteen years, publications about the theoretical or methodological implications of computer vision for the study of art have proliferated, generating an extensive discourse about its potentials.
—Sonja Drimmer, Artforum, 1 Apr. 2025
Google leverages the theoretical power of generative AI to give Gemini access to data across multiple apps.
—ArsTechnica, 1 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for theoretical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for theoretical
Adjective
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Not in some hypothetical future—but right now, in workflows that have long resisted automation.—
Don Muir,
Forbes.com,
14 Apr. 2025
-
The Nuggets lost the first two meetings, seemingly clinching a hypothetical head-to-head tiebreaker for the Clippers.—
Matt Schubert,
Denver Post,
12 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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In the 19th century, philosophers and poets dabbled with it in the pursuit of metaphysical insights.—
Ella Jeffries,
Smithsonian Magazine,
8 Apr. 2025
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Beelzebub, however, is nothing but evil incarnate, first appearing as a sort of metaphysical pollution—a writhing black oil-like glob suspended in midair.—
Richard Brody,
The New Yorker,
11 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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These tokens illustrate how speculative assets tied to political figures can generate short-term buzz but carry significant downside for everyday buyers.—
Gordon G. Chang,
MSNBC Newsweek,
8 Apr. 2025
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To date, all changes are speculative in nature and are unlikely to be applied retroactively.—
Cindy McGhee,
Forbes.com,
8 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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After this period, Lennon and Ono would never again court the world’s attention with ambitious conceptual stunts or overt political protests.—
Jordan Runtagh,
People.com,
12 Apr. 2025
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Though the human mind does not operate like a quantum system, the conceptual framework—embracing ambiguity, leading through uncertainty and recognizing the power of entangled relationships and systems—offers compelling insights and mind-stretching analogies for contemporary leadership challenges.—
Gregory Crawford,
Forbes.com,
10 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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But the possible consequences of an Iranian nuclear capability are largely conjectural (save for one: nobody would think of invading Iran anymore).—
Barry R. Posen,
Foreign Affairs,
7 Sep. 2010
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That statistic is somewhat conjectural, since the vast majority of rapes in India are apparently not reported.—
Mark Jenkins,
Washington Post,
7 Nov. 2023
Adjective
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The Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum fills in the gaps, connecting the old world to the new with impressionists and abstract pioneers.—
AFAR Media,
AFAR Media,
11 Apr. 2025
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Kozloff also made and exhibited abstract paintings that channeled heroes such as Pierre Bonnard and Philip Guston.—
News Desk,
Artforum,
10 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Theoretical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/theoretical. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.
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