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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of theoretical
So a cloud of uncertainty still hangs overhead: Has the most significant experimental deviation in particle physics been killed off by theoretical tweaks just when its best-yet measurement has arrived, or is the muon g−2 anomaly still alive and well?
—
Eleni Petrakou, Scientific American, 8 June 2025
In 1943, Subrahmanyan Chandrasekhar—a Nobel Prize-winning theoretical physicist—proposed the existence of something called dynamical friction.
—Stephen Clark – Jun 6, ArsTechnica, 6 June 2025
With a degree in theoretical mathematics and geophysical fluid dynamics, Kapnick saw herself as uniquely positioned to take on that challenge.
—Diana Olick, CNBC, 31 May 2025
This recent study, which does just that, studied two theoretical Population III stars: one 13 times as massive as the sun, and one 200 times as massive.
—Robin George Andrews, Smithsonian Magazine, 30 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for theoretical
Eleni Petrakou, Scientific American, 8 June 2025
In 1943, Subrahmanyan Chandrasekhar—a Nobel Prize-winning theoretical physicist—proposed the existence of something called dynamical friction.
—Stephen Clark – Jun 6, ArsTechnica, 6 June 2025
With a degree in theoretical mathematics and geophysical fluid dynamics, Kapnick saw herself as uniquely positioned to take on that challenge.
—Diana Olick, CNBC, 31 May 2025
This recent study, which does just that, studied two theoretical Population III stars: one 13 times as massive as the sun, and one 200 times as massive.
—Robin George Andrews, Smithsonian Magazine, 30 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for theoretical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for theoretical
Adjective
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Attendees emphasized safety and non-violence while role-playing scenarios with hypothetical characters – for example, a participant frustrated that not enough action is being taken to get the group’s message out and a right-wing protester there to harass attendees.—
Lauren Mascarenhas,
CNN Money,
13 June 2025
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The company said at the time it was equipped to handle Trump's tariffs, excluding hypothetical further hikes on imports from China.—
Ali McCadden,
CNBC,
12 June 2025
Adjective
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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
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Luxury facilities, non-teaching research ventures, speculative real estate holdings—those could justifiably be subject to tax.—
Matthew Scogin,
Forbes.com,
10 June 2025
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The lawsuit’s claim that retaliation from the Trump administration could be imminent for schools that do not comply with the administration’s demands is not entirely speculative.—
Kevin Rector,
Los Angeles Times,
9 June 2025
Adjective
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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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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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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
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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
Cite this Entry
“Theoretical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/theoretical. Accessed 17 Jun. 2025.
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