1
as in theoretical
dealing with or expressing a quality or idea
she has a notional understanding of romantic love but no actual experience of being in love
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in imaginary
not real and existing only in the imagination
your computer's "visits" to various parts of cyberspace are entirely notional—you stay put and the Web pages come to you
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of notional
Those plans remain notional, but France and Britain want to have detailed options for European participation, while also insisting that the United States provide key elements like air cover, without troops on the ground.
—
Steven Erlanger, New York Times, 11 Apr. 2025
This date is also supported by a notice to mariners, but it should be taken as notional rather than something to be confident in.
—ArsTechnica, 9 May 2025
As reported by Rolling Stone, early buyers raked in $6.6 billion in profits, while many other traders collectively lost $2 billion in actual or notional losses, as per Chainalysis data findings.
—Tonya M. Evans, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025
These professional traders have net sold global equities for six weeks in a row, with last week’s notional de-grossing amount reaching the largest level since July, according to data from Goldman Sachs’ prime brokerage unit.
—Yun Li, CNBC, 31 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for notional
Steven Erlanger, New York Times, 11 Apr. 2025
This date is also supported by a notice to mariners, but it should be taken as notional rather than something to be confident in.
—ArsTechnica, 9 May 2025
As reported by Rolling Stone, early buyers raked in $6.6 billion in profits, while many other traders collectively lost $2 billion in actual or notional losses, as per Chainalysis data findings.
—Tonya M. Evans, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025
These professional traders have net sold global equities for six weeks in a row, with last week’s notional de-grossing amount reaching the largest level since July, according to data from Goldman Sachs’ prime brokerage unit.
—Yun Li, CNBC, 31 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for notional
Recent Examples of Synonyms for notional
Adjective
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My expertise in information technology over a 30-year journey often requires an immersion of innovative technologies, such as AI, to bridge theoretical knowledge with practical application.—
Deanna Laster,
Forbes.com,
11 June 2025
-
And the consequences of those delays were not theoretical.—
Dr. Shelley Sella,
Time,
11 June 2025
Adjective
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Several heads of industry have toyed with creating an imaginary staff, embracing the self-mirroring feedback loop of their output as a plus.—
Sheldon Pearce,
NPR,
17 June 2025
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Answer: Minnesota Who was Riley’s childhood imaginary friend?—
Kara Nesvig,
Parents,
17 June 2025
Adjective
-
Shauna speaks with Jackie all the time, but this was sort of a new metaphysical space for the show.—
Jackie Strause,
HollywoodReporter,
10 Apr. 2025
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Cage’s haunted delivery, contrasting powerfully with Knell’s anxious, terrified giggling, gives the scene a metaphysical kick.—
Bilge Ebiri,
Vulture,
28 May 2025
Adjective
-
In the film, a massive great white shark hunts people swimming in the water surrounding the fictitious Amity Island.—
Natalie Neysa Alund,
USA Today,
13 June 2025
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Ever since Max began streaming the drama about life in a fictitious Pittsburgh emergency room, it’s been one pinch-me moment after another for Wyle and his fellow executive producers John Wells and R. Scott Gemmill.—
Lynette Rice,
Deadline,
12 June 2025
Adjective
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Creating Case Studies That Showcase the Best Solution to Complex Problems Case studies transform abstract metrics into compelling narratives demonstrating your solution’s effectiveness.—
AllBusiness,
Forbes.com,
13 June 2025
-
Pramuk composed the songs of Hymnal in collaboration with the Sonar Quartett, using her dance chops to reconfigure the ensemble’s cascading strings into abstract rhythms.—
Nina Corcoran,
Pitchfork,
13 June 2025
Adjective
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And as one dad recently shared on Reddit, the days of explaining things with talk of storks or other mythical tales are likely over.—
Christian Dashiell,
Parents,
7 June 2025
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Acceptance means acknowledging that zero-failure AI systems are mythical.—
Cornelia C. Walther,
Forbes.com,
6 June 2025
Adjective
-
That was one of our key conceptual rules or guidelines.—
Scott Roxborough,
HollywoodReporter,
13 June 2025
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Proposals were submitted by May 29 -- the conceptual design includes a survivor's tribute wall, a reflection pool, a hearing garden and a private gathering space for reflection, according to the city.—
Deena Zaru,
ABC News,
12 June 2025
Adjective
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Standing in for the Duke of Hastings’ fictional Clyvedon Castle in season one, this real-life Baroque masterpiece is located in North Yorkshire, England, and has been in the Howard family for more than three centuries.—
Abby Montanez,
Robb Report,
10 June 2025
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The film takes place in 2020 — yes, that 2020 — in the most visceral way, with the anti-mask local sheriff (Joaquin Phoenix) of the fictional Eddington, New Mexico, facing off against the town’s COVID-guideline-advocate mayor, played by Pedro Pascal (the second of his three summer releases).—
Rance Collins,
IndieWire,
10 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Notional.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/notional. Accessed 20 Jun. 2025.
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