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
As Radloff noted, in the unaired pilot Parsons played a significantly different version of genius theoretical physicist Sheldon Cooper who had slept with Gilda, one of the show’s two original female leads, played by Iris Bahr.
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John Russell, People.com, 18 Mar. 2025
There are even more exotic theoretical possibilities.
—Mark Fischetti, Scientific American, 17 Mar. 2025
Not long ago, assessing what impact the statute would have was largely a theoretical exercise.
—Michael Smolens, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Mar. 2025
Innovation should be practical and actionable, not just theoretical.
—Cheryl Robinson, Forbes, 8 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for theoretical
John Russell, People.com, 18 Mar. 2025
There are even more exotic theoretical possibilities.
—Mark Fischetti, Scientific American, 17 Mar. 2025
Not long ago, assessing what impact the statute would have was largely a theoretical exercise.
—Michael Smolens, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Mar. 2025
Innovation should be practical and actionable, not just theoretical.
—Cheryl Robinson, Forbes, 8 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for theoretical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for theoretical
Adjective
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For The Other To Blink Given the view in Europe that Trump is abandoning NATO in favor of the Kremlin, in a hypothetical future conflict with Russia, Europe might worry that the U.S. could cut off spare parts and updates for the F-35, Aboulafia says.—
Scott Neuman,
NPR,
19 Mar. 2025
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And Billups, to cite that hypothetical, might do a great job.—
Sean Keeler,
The Denver Post,
19 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Magic Market Step into a world of magic and wonder at the Magic Market, where 75 vendors await with everything from mystical, metaphysical products and tarot readings to vintage treasures, witchy supplies, and plants.—
Holly Alvarado,
Oc Register,
27 Mar. 2025
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To the north is Vulcan’s Forge, Russell’s custom jewelry operation; to the south is Aquarius, a new-age metaphysical store owned by Barbara.—
David Hudnall,
Kansas City Star,
27 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Black Mirror evokes anthology series like The Twilight Zone and Amazing Stories with speculative, offbeat tales that draw upon sci-fi, thriller, and horror tropes to satirize culture and interrogate moral and ethical quandaries.—
Randall Colburn,
EW.com,
30 Mar. 2025
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Clarity prevents reactive shifts, such as chasing speculative trends or overcorrecting after market downturns.—
Francois Botha,
Forbes.com,
30 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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But nine months in, except for releasing broad, conceptual artists’ renderings to neighborhood groups, HP Village — rebranded last year at The Village Collection — has yet to submit even preliminary plans to City Hall or the City Plan Commission.—
Eric Adler,
Kansas City Star,
21 Mar. 2025
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Unlike regular magazines, Billboard Artist is a large-format, unbound conceptual edition where each page feels like a collectible poster.—
Billboard Korea,
Billboard,
18 Mar. 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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Facts and figures alone fail to inspire, but stories humanize data, making abstract concepts relatable and emotionally engaging.—
Brent Gleeson,
Forbes,
21 Mar. 2025
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He is known for his colorful blend of Eastern and Western painting styles, abstract sculptures and ink paintings.—
The Editors of ARTnews,
ARTnews.com,
20 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Theoretical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/theoretical. Accessed 3 Apr. 2025.
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