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
Relevance
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of theoretical
Mavs players who could be included in a theoretical Holiday trade include center Daniel Gafford, and wings P.J. Washington and Caleb Martin.
—
Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 27 May 2025
Yet science has a track record of turning theoretical possibilities into reality.
—Dobromir Rahnev, The Conversation, 23 May 2025
Perhaps Céline will carry this unknown theoretical child.
—Catherine Bray, Variety, 23 May 2025
For stock market investors, the equity risk premium is the theoretical excess return of stocks over risk-free assets to account for market risk.
—CNBC, 19 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for theoretical
Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 27 May 2025
Yet science has a track record of turning theoretical possibilities into reality.
—Dobromir Rahnev, The Conversation, 23 May 2025
Perhaps Céline will carry this unknown theoretical child.
—Catherine Bray, Variety, 23 May 2025
For stock market investors, the equity risk premium is the theoretical excess return of stocks over risk-free assets to account for market risk.
—CNBC, 19 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for theoretical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for theoretical
Adjective
-
Health has been viewed primarily as a function of hypothetical future costs in wealth planning.—
Joseph Coughlin,
Forbes.com,
19 May 2025
-
The debate over Rose’s place in Cooperstown is now more than a hypothetical.—
C. Trent Rosecrans,
New York Times,
15 May 2025
Adjective
-
Cage’s haunted delivery, contrasting powerfully with Knell’s anxious, terrified giggling, gives the scene a metaphysical kick.—
Bilge Ebiri,
Vulture,
28 May 2025
-
The Hormone Monsters were soon joined by a full menagerie of metaphysical beings, from the Shame Wizard (David Thewlis) to the Depression Kitty (Jean Smart) to the Anxiety Mosquito (Maria Bamford).—
Alison Herman,
Variety,
24 May 2025
Adjective
-
But analysts say rising premiums are more a speculative play or hedge against risk rather than a sign of impending financial crisis and insolvency.—
Yeo Boon Ping,
CNBC,
29 May 2025
-
The ball is dropping and an Athletic player attempts a speculative pass through midfield.—
Art de Roché,
New York Times,
28 May 2025
Adjective
-
Production and Future Outlook The AI Pro has progressed beyond the conceptual stage, with prototypes manufactured by Global Foundries in Dresden.—
Ron Schmelzer,
Forbes.com,
20 May 2025
-
The initial development agreement for the town center was approved back in 2006, long before the project had a conceptual site plan.—
James Wilkins,
The Orlando Sentinel,
17 May 2025
Adjective
-
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
-
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
-
Titled Three Coverings, Fleming’s larger-than-life, abstract sculptures occupy a garden evocative of the British countryside.—
Lee Sharrock,
Forbes.com,
20 May 2025
-
Pieces even feature abstract prints of Mickey and friends wandering through sci-fi scenery.—
Violet Goldstone,
Footwear News,
19 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Theoretical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/theoretical. Accessed 3 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share