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
-
The theoretical ways drugs can affect heat tolerance are well-known, but there haven't been enough systematic analyses looking at how, and at what levels, and for whom drugs affect heat tolerance, says Yorgi Mavros, a heat expert at The University of Sydney.—
Alejandra Borunda,
NPR,
30 July 2025
-
The doctrine of communication by conduct is not merely a theoretical construct.—
Majeed Javdani,
Forbes.com,
29 July 2025
Adjective
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Is all this merely a sci-fi imaginary consideration?—
Lance Eliot,
Forbes.com,
19 July 2025
-
And yes, it will be displayed, but mercifully, not in an imaginary basement.—
Ana Gutierrez,
Austin American Statesman,
18 July 2025
Adjective
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Vendors will offer beads, minerals, gemstones, custom jewelry, fossils, artifacts, and metaphysical stones.—
Joe Rassel,
The Orlando Sentinel,
23 July 2025
-
This exchange happens near the beginning of The Stone Door, Leonora Carrington’s metaphysical novel of the Second World War, in a dream of her nameless narrator.—
Celia Bell
July 22,
Literary Hub,
22 July 2025
Adjective
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An adoption of a fictitious docudrama style, where scenarios are created for the show’s cast, brought in more subpar episodes which many feel didn’t help the cause.—
Kevin Dolak,
HollywoodReporter,
22 July 2025
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Unsurprisingly, then, scammers are also keen to exploit this by way of fictitious job opportunities through unofficial channels, websites, emails, and text messages.—
Davey Winder,
Forbes.com,
19 July 2025
Adjective
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In a world where professional development often feels abstract, especially in hybrid environments, business travel offers something tangible: face time, proximity, and momentum.—
Julian Hayes II,
Forbes.com,
1 Aug. 2025
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For many families, especially those navigating corn allergies, these policy choices aren't abstract.—
Brett Kittredge,
MSNBC Newsweek,
31 July 2025
Adjective
-
Py for the programming language Python, and Theus for Theseus, after the Greek hero who killed the mythical Minotaur.—
Quanta Magazine,
Quanta Magazine,
21 July 2025
-
There’s a great new smiley face, a mythical creature and a playful whale.—
David Phelan,
Forbes.com,
18 July 2025
Adjective
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Kesha was styled in a custom miniskirt and bracelet made entirely of e.l.f.’s Jelly Pop primer tubes and lip oil respectively, designed by conceptual artist Gab Bois.—
Essence,
Essence,
28 July 2025
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But the creator quickly gave up the act and revealed a conceptual bent to the channel.—
Kieran Press-Reynolds,
Pitchfork,
23 July 2025
Adjective
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The main song Golden has topped the Billboard 100 and together the songs of fictional bands HUNTR/X and Saja Boys have beat a billion streams across Spotify and YouTube.—
Amy Sterling,
Forbes.com,
30 July 2025
-
Nearly two decades ago, Miley Cyrus took on the persona of fictional superstar Hannah Montana.—
Allison Kiehl,
The Tennessean,
30 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Notional.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/notional. Accessed 7 Aug. 2025.
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