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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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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
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of theoretical
When people see that scams can be built around them specifically, security habits stop feeling theoretical and start feeling necessary.
—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes.com,
2 July 2026
After machine learning identified promising candidates, researchers verified them through theoretical calculations before synthesizing and experimentally confirming the materials.
—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
30 June 2026
He’s long delved into the dark corners of his lived and theoretical experience, pushing toward sticky, disquieting ideas that sent ripples of nervous laughter through a crowd unable to reject his reasoning.
—
Ben Travers,
IndieWire,
30 June 2026
Just as hedgehogs deplore foxes for a lack of theoretical ambition, foxes spend their time screaming at hedgehogs for missing this or that eloquent detail.
—
Clare Bucknell,
The New York Review of Books,
27 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for theoretical
Expert Panel®,
Forbes.com,
2 July 2026
After machine learning identified promising candidates, researchers verified them through theoretical calculations before synthesizing and experimentally confirming the materials.
—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
30 June 2026
He’s long delved into the dark corners of his lived and theoretical experience, pushing toward sticky, disquieting ideas that sent ripples of nervous laughter through a crowd unable to reject his reasoning.
—
Ben Travers,
IndieWire,
30 June 2026
Just as hedgehogs deplore foxes for a lack of theoretical ambition, foxes spend their time screaming at hedgehogs for missing this or that eloquent detail.
—
Clare Bucknell,
The New York Review of Books,
27 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for theoretical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for theoretical
Adjective
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China has ratcheted up pressure on Tokyo after comments by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi in November that a hypothetical Chinese attack on Taiwan could trigger a military response from Tokyo, which drew criticism from Beijing.
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The workshop’s facilitators posed a series of hypothetical adversarial actions, or vignettes, to the participants.
Adjective
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In both the real and metaphysical locations of the show, the backgrounds are all painted by hand, something which was pointed out took up a lot of time due to the number of paintings in the show and due to the number of montages.
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In the 18th century Samuel Johnson coined the term metaphysical poets to criticize Donne, John Cleveland, and Abraham Cowley.
Adjective
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Whether such an android would have a soul or be self-aware, Lee said that's more speculative.
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Their investment materials include the typical warnings, that positions can be illiquid, speculative and difficult to value.
Adjective
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An artist's rendering of development of a conceptual moon base near the lunar south pole.
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The German conceptual artist and painter Rune Mields, who designed her own grave, has died at age 91.
Adjective
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The first two questions are too hypothetical and conjectural.
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Projections of economic gains from major sporting events are typically optimistic, euphoric, chimerical or conjectural.
Adjective
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In the June 23 Section A, the obituary for Greenspan said that he was married briefly to abstract artist Joan Mitchell.
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Instead of abstract phishing examples, show employees how much of their own digital footprint is publicly available and how easily fraudsters can turn it into a convincing fake profile, email or message.
Adjective
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This approach is crucial for mitigating downsides and enhancing the benefits of AI for societal mental well-being.
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These holistic mental and physical wellness itineraries incorporate spa treatments and mindfulness modalities such as forest bathing and meditation, private pilates and yoga classes, and food made with organic, sustainable ingredients.
Cite this Entry
“Theoretical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/theoretical. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
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