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
Examples 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
The benefit: a theoretical efficiency boost up to 25% over regular combustion engines.
—
New Atlas, 4 Dec. 2024
For example: Pythagorean triples Many scholars have considered the list an exercise in pure, theoretical mathematics, perhaps even a problem set used for teaching students.
—Cody Cottier, Discover Magazine, 3 Dec. 2024
Moana 2 started off as a Disney+ series, until the powers that be realized that trading enormous box-office returns for theoretical streaming growth was ridiculous and reworked the project into a theatrical release.
—Alison Willmore, Vulture, 26 Nov. 2024
Despite the theoretical complexity of inventory forecasting, practical solutions are achievable.
—Suvarna Krishnan, Forbes, 20 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for theoretical 
New Atlas, 4 Dec. 2024
For example: Pythagorean triples Many scholars have considered the list an exercise in pure, theoretical mathematics, perhaps even a problem set used for teaching students.
—Cody Cottier, Discover Magazine, 3 Dec. 2024
Moana 2 started off as a Disney+ series, until the powers that be realized that trading enormous box-office returns for theoretical streaming growth was ridiculous and reworked the project into a theatrical release.
—Alison Willmore, Vulture, 26 Nov. 2024
Despite the theoretical complexity of inventory forecasting, practical solutions are achievable.
—Suvarna Krishnan, Forbes, 20 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for theoretical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for theoretical
Adjective
-
To get into this hypothetical portfolio, a stock must have five-year historical earnings growth of 25% a year or better, yet the stock price must be 12 times earnings or less.John Dorfman, Forbes, 9 Dec. 2024
-
Nick Saban and others in the SEC often point to hypothetical point spreads or the number of NFL players on a team’s roster.Chris Vannini, The Athletic, 9 Dec. 2024
Adjective
-
With age, Sean has begun to warm to his mother’s metaphysical approach to life — and beyond.Jordan Runtagh, People.com, 25 Nov. 2024
-
Perhaps that’s why Sedona attracts such a strong enclave of New Age spiritual devotees searching for metaphysical energy in the vortexes allegedly sprinkled throughout its buttes and spires.Erin Strout, Outside Online, 11 Nov. 2024
Adjective
-
Cox had a reputation for yelling slurs at girls out of the window of his Chevy, an unsavory fact that ballooned into motive in speculative conversations.Jessica Garrison, Los Angeles Times, 18 Dec. 2024
-
Some states such as Maryland passed laws recently to completely outlaw speculative tickets.Ethan Millman, Rolling Stone, 17 Dec. 2024
Adjective
-
By synthesizing knowledge through a concept map, students can better structure information, interpret the relationships between ideas, and deepen their overall conceptual understanding.Christopher Rim, Forbes, 4 Dec. 2024
-
Instead of a standard-issue statue, the conceptual piece shows their interlocking arms, which from one angle form the shape of a heart.Elizabeth Blackwell, Longreads, 14 Nov. 2024
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
-
In the primary bedroom, a painting by the abstract artist Guy Hindley hangs above a custom bed upholstered in fabric from Toyine Sellers.Troy J. McMullen, Architectural Digest, 9 Dec. 2024
-
Aura nails have been slowly replacing the loud abstract nail designs previously made popular in the past few years.Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 8 Dec. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near theoretical
Cite this Entry
“Theoretical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/theoretical. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share