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
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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
Examples Sentences
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Recent Examples of theoretical
His leadership is not theoretical—it has been tested in the crucible of combat.
—
Tim Ryan, Newsweek, 17 Dec. 2024
And those perils aren’t theoretical: A 2021 investigation by The Markup found that Black applicants were 80 percent more likely to be denied a loan by an algorithmic underwriting engine, compared with white applicants with similar financial backgrounds.
—T.m. Brown, The Atlantic, 16 Dec. 2024
While certifications and degrees provide a baseline of theoretical knowledge, demonstrated success in real-world projects is the strongest indicator of capability.
—Daniel Pena, Forbes, 11 Dec. 2024
In the 1990s, researchers worked out the theoretical foundations for a way to overcome these errors, called quantum error correction.
—Ben Brubaker, Quanta Magazine, 9 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for theoretical 
Tim Ryan, Newsweek, 17 Dec. 2024
And those perils aren’t theoretical: A 2021 investigation by The Markup found that Black applicants were 80 percent more likely to be denied a loan by an algorithmic underwriting engine, compared with white applicants with similar financial backgrounds.
—T.m. Brown, The Atlantic, 16 Dec. 2024
While certifications and degrees provide a baseline of theoretical knowledge, demonstrated success in real-world projects is the strongest indicator of capability.
—Daniel Pena, Forbes, 11 Dec. 2024
In the 1990s, researchers worked out the theoretical foundations for a way to overcome these errors, called quantum error correction.
—Ben Brubaker, Quanta Magazine, 9 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for theoretical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for theoretical
Adjective
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While the exact rules of the Game of 20 generally remain unknown, researchers have previously proposed some hypothetical rules for one variant—the Ur game.Newsweek, Newsweek, 20 Dec. 2024
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Another breed of hypothetical particle, axions are predicted to exist by quantum chromodynamics, which is our best quantum theory of the strong force that binds quarks together to form protons, neutrons and ultimately atomic nuclei.Keith Cooper, Space.com, 19 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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Although the machines’ inventor is concerned with metaphysical questions—do intelligent robots disprove God’s existence?—his engineer son sees the potential for major profit and manufactures robots for sale around the world, with disastrous results.Elvia Wilk, The Atlantic, 18 Dec. 2024
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Her interest in mysteries and the occult began in the metaphysical section at her local Borders.Roya Backlund, StyleCaster, 13 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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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
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These developments will likely work to mitigate risks of investing in a speculative asset, inviting more players into the market - and this is already happening.Trefis Team, Forbes, 17 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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Hillwood, a company connected to the Ross Perot family, presented conceptual plans to develop 10.35 million square feet of industrial style office, warehouse and light manufacturing space on about 1,380 acres near Linwood and Bluebird Roads just off Interstate 40 in eastern Wilson County.Andy Humbles, The Tennessean, 20 Dec. 2024
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It’s called ring attention because GPUs are organized into a conceptual ring, with each GPU passing data to its neighbor.Ars Technica, Ars Technica, 20 Dec. 2024
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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Research shows that specific messages resonate more than abstract messages.Marianne Krasny, Forbes, 20 Dec. 2024
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Fans and friends alike can’t get enough of the abstract albeit cryptic cover art.Mya Abraham, VIBE.com, 19 Dec. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near theoretical
Cite this Entry
“Theoretical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/theoretical. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024.
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