as in assumptions
something taken as being true or factual and used as a starting point for a course of action or reasoning
believes that predictions of the extinction of certain species as the result of global warming are based upon too many hypotheticals
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Recent Examples of hypotheticals
With so many decisions to make, the Chiefs would have to get awfully creative to extend cornerback Trent McDuffie (who is entering the final year of his contract), which is why his name has floated in trade hypotheticals.
—
Pete Sweeney, Kansas City Star, 5 Feb. 2026
And if the hypotheticals are not enough to dissuade, history is littered with teams trading away their future for immediate glories, seeing their plans implode, and being left with a ruinous future that becomes a hopeless present while another team reaps the benefits.
—Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 30 Jan. 2026
The Library of Congress has discussed these hypotheticals, but notes neither the 12th nor the 22nd Amendment clearly addresses such scenarios.
—Tiffani Jackson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 Dec. 2025
His forthcoming book outlines a series of extreme hypotheticals, including succession scenarios triggered by national emergencies.
—Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 18 Dec. 2025
That’s a scary thought dependent on a whole lot of hypotheticals, but the theoretical doomsday is a strong reminder for moviegoers to find community that’s small and local.
—Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 16 Dec. 2025
Musk triumphed in many such hypotheticals.
—Matteo Wong, The Atlantic, 21 Nov. 2025
Bell might also question those billionaires and pose hypotheticals to gauge their reactions.
—Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 20 Oct. 2025
The narrative too often focuses on headlines and hypotheticals, rather than on structure, incentives, and outcomes.
—Dave Smith, Fortune, 17 Oct. 2025
Pete Sweeney, Kansas City Star, 5 Feb. 2026
And if the hypotheticals are not enough to dissuade, history is littered with teams trading away their future for immediate glories, seeing their plans implode, and being left with a ruinous future that becomes a hopeless present while another team reaps the benefits.
—Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 30 Jan. 2026
The Library of Congress has discussed these hypotheticals, but notes neither the 12th nor the 22nd Amendment clearly addresses such scenarios.
—Tiffani Jackson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 Dec. 2025
His forthcoming book outlines a series of extreme hypotheticals, including succession scenarios triggered by national emergencies.
—Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 18 Dec. 2025
That’s a scary thought dependent on a whole lot of hypotheticals, but the theoretical doomsday is a strong reminder for moviegoers to find community that’s small and local.
—Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 16 Dec. 2025
Musk triumphed in many such hypotheticals.
—Matteo Wong, The Atlantic, 21 Nov. 2025
Bell might also question those billionaires and pose hypotheticals to gauge their reactions.
—Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 20 Oct. 2025
The narrative too often focuses on headlines and hypotheticals, rather than on structure, incentives, and outcomes.
—Dave Smith, Fortune, 17 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hypotheticals
Noun
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At the same time, Maryland has lost approximately 130,000 residents since Moore took office, yet the budget justifies hundreds of millions in housing and community revitalization spending based on population growth assumptions that do not match reality.—
J.B. Jennings,
Baltimore Sun,
5 Feb. 2026
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For both the terminals and the pipeline, the authority hosted a series of follow-up meetings with prospective participants to collect technical feedback, validate market assumptions and refine the documentation supporting the selection process.—
Glenn Taylor,
Sourcing Journal,
3 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Such theories were met with some skepticism by trade researchers at the time, and not all of the predictions have come true.—
Josh Ederington,
Fortune,
8 Feb. 2026
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As the search continues with no suspects or persons of interest, posts across Instagram, TikTok, X, Facebook and YouTube have put millions of eyeballs on tips and theories surrounding her disappearance.—
Dallas Morning News,
Dallas Morning News,
7 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Hypotheticals.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hypotheticals. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
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