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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of theoretical
Merrillville officials hope a letter denying the existence of a Department of Homeland Security contract on a warehouse in town will calm residents’ nerves about a theoretical immigrant detention center.
—
Michelle L. Quinn, Chicago Tribune, 12 Feb. 2026
These are not theoretical concerns.
—Waleed Albakry, Hartford Courant, 11 Feb. 2026
At this point, everything is still theoretical, from the Zero blockchain itself to how the NYSE integrates decentralization into its core infrastructure.
—Leo Schwartz, Fortune, 10 Feb. 2026
Now, with new funding secured, the Horizon Evo has been made public, marking the point where Natilus transitions from theoretical concepts toward creating a commercially viable airframe.
—David Szondy
february 10, New Atlas, 10 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for theoretical
Michelle L. Quinn, Chicago Tribune, 12 Feb. 2026
These are not theoretical concerns.
—Waleed Albakry, Hartford Courant, 11 Feb. 2026
At this point, everything is still theoretical, from the Zero blockchain itself to how the NYSE integrates decentralization into its core infrastructure.
—Leo Schwartz, Fortune, 10 Feb. 2026
Now, with new funding secured, the Horizon Evo has been made public, marking the point where Natilus transitions from theoretical concepts toward creating a commercially viable airframe.
—David Szondy
february 10, New Atlas, 10 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for theoretical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for theoretical
Adjective
-
This concern is not hypothetical.—
Bhupinder Kaur,
The Orlando Sentinel,
7 Feb. 2026
-
To define the contours of a market, the courts rely on a hypothetical monopolist test.—
Hal Singer,
Fortune,
7 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Under this clash of Venus and Uranus, a blind spot could impact your literal plans or more metaphysical beliefs.—
Tarot.com,
Hartford Courant,
8 Feb. 2026
-
Suffice to say that Zi’s condition may not be a physical issue or even a mental one but, rather, a metaphysical state.—
Richard Brody,
New Yorker,
4 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
To my eye, Zurek has almost tied up the loose ends that have been confounding physics for 100 years, without invoking any substantially new or speculative assumptions.—
Quanta Magazine,
Quanta Magazine,
13 Feb. 2026
-
Deutsche Bank’s Reid noted that much of the selling driven by these anecdotes was purely speculative.—
Jim Edwards,
Fortune,
13 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Diesel asks at the top of the spot (below), which shows footage of riders speeding through a conceptual rendering of the coaster — featuring vehicles that rotate along a course that also includes three inversions.—
Joey Nolfi,
Entertainment Weekly,
8 Feb. 2026
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My ultimate goal is to combine this conceptual part with products and do more artwork that inspires more people.—
Lisa Lockwood,
Footwear News,
6 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Projections of economic gains from major sporting events are typically optimistic, euphoric, chimerical or conjectural.—
Michael Hiltzik,
Los Angeles Times,
19 June 2025
-
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
-
My empathy for immigrants and refugees is not abstract.—
Valeng Cha,
Twin Cities,
8 Feb. 2026
-
In the 9th District, those debates are no longer abstract.—
Olivia Olander,
Chicago Tribune,
8 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Skating is an achievement fueled by immense physical and mental stressors, financial sacrifice, and restrictive expectations that can wear on competitors for decades.—
Jasmine Wynn,
Time,
9 Feb. 2026
-
The competitive stamina, the physical stamina, and the mental stamina that's required in these type of games.—
Matt Schooley,
CBS News,
9 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Theoretical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/theoretical. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
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