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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of theoretical
The result closely matched the theoretical value, showing the system can handle practical tasks.
—
Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 27 Mar. 2026
The legal question is no longer theoretical.
—John La Puma, Oc Register, 26 Mar. 2026
For Hill, the stakes are personal, not theoretical.
—Kristin Stoller, Fortune, 25 Mar. 2026
But the question is not theoretical for him.
—Literary Hub, 25 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for theoretical
Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 27 Mar. 2026
The legal question is no longer theoretical.
—John La Puma, Oc Register, 26 Mar. 2026
For Hill, the stakes are personal, not theoretical.
—Kristin Stoller, Fortune, 25 Mar. 2026
But the question is not theoretical for him.
—Literary Hub, 25 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for theoretical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for theoretical
Adjective
-
Instead of posing questions about geography or world affairs, the test asked him to tackle hypothetical situations, from the frustrating to the dangerous.—
David D. Kirkpatrick,
New Yorker,
30 Mar. 2026
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Focus on the craft in front of you without thinking of its hypothetical audience.—
Tarot.com,
Baltimore Sun,
30 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
The movie addresses metaphysical questions such as the egregore of a generation, the nature of evil, and the search for God in times of His absence.—
PhotoVogue,
Vogue,
19 Mar. 2026
-
The most fundamental consequences of being struck by lightning are often metaphysical, and not easily communicable.—
Jacob Stern,
The Atlantic,
16 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
These aren’t speculative ideas.—
Brian Barlow,
Fortune,
28 Mar. 2026
-
While this move is largely speculative at present, the strategic importance of the Middle East to the dollar’s role as the world’s reserve currency should not be underestimated, according to Deutsche.—
Joseph Wilkins,
CNBC,
25 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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But since 2021, the city’s rules have been little more than conceptual and led to virtually no affordable units, the city said.—
Chris Higgins,
Kansas City Star,
31 Mar. 2026
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Ryan, who is Orange County based, will begin the conceptual design phase of the memorial, including the preparation of detailed sketches and a 12-inch maquette.—
Magda Liszewska,
Oc Register,
30 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Projections of economic gains from major sporting events are typically optimistic, euphoric, chimerical or conjectural.—
Michael Hiltzik,
Los Angeles Times,
19 June 2025
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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
-
Those humanistic and critical values are, for Y, not merely some abstract doctrine but a vital aspect of his identity.—
Richard Brody,
New Yorker,
27 Mar. 2026
-
Before the three scientists’ work, chimpanzees, gorillas and orangutans were largely abstract animals to most people – zoo exhibits, textbook illustrations, evolutionary symbols.—
Mireya Mayor,
The Conversation,
27 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
This money, if considered by the same lawmakers who have paid TSA in more than 40 days, would cover late fees, overdrafts, and even mental anguish.—
Marvin Hurst,
CBS News,
31 Mar. 2026
-
King, who is in his early fifties, is a former marine, a motivational speaker, and a mental-health and substance-abuse professional.—
Charles Bethea,
New Yorker,
30 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Theoretical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/theoretical. Accessed 4 Apr. 2026.
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