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
Relevance
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of theoretical
This seemingly theoretical question about the longtime U.S. trading partner has taken on more relevance in the past several weeks.
—
Jay L. Zagorsky, The Conversation, 4 Apr. 2025
While Chris' construction of a xenon-halogen laser to solve the power problem was purely theoretical at the time, the underlying scientific details were later outlined in a scientific paper—a fitting example of how science and Hollywood can both benefit from such collaborations.
—ArsTechnica, 2 Apr. 2025
Over the ensuing fifteen years, publications about the theoretical or methodological implications of computer vision for the study of art have proliferated, generating an extensive discourse about its potentials.
—Sonja Drimmer, Artforum, 1 Apr. 2025
Google leverages the theoretical power of generative AI to give Gemini access to data across multiple apps.
—ArsTechnica, 1 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for theoretical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for theoretical
Adjective
-
Not in some hypothetical future—but right now, in workflows that have long resisted automation.—
-
The Nuggets lost the first two meetings, seemingly clinching a hypothetical head-to-head tiebreaker for the Clippers.—
Adjective
-
In the 19th century, philosophers and poets dabbled with it in the pursuit of metaphysical insights.—
-
Beelzebub, however, is nothing but evil incarnate, first appearing as a sort of metaphysical pollution—a writhing black oil-like glob suspended in midair.—
Adjective
-
These tokens illustrate how speculative assets tied to political figures can generate short-term buzz but carry significant downside for everyday buyers.—
-
To date, all changes are speculative in nature and are unlikely to be applied retroactively.—
Adjective
-
After this period, Lennon and Ono would never again court the world’s attention with ambitious conceptual stunts or overt political protests.—
-
Though the human mind does not operate like a quantum system, the conceptual framework—embracing ambiguity, leading through uncertainty and recognizing the power of entangled relationships and systems—offers compelling insights and mind-stretching analogies for contemporary leadership challenges.—
Adjective
-
But the possible consequences of an Iranian nuclear capability are largely conjectural (save for one: nobody would think of invading Iran anymore).—
-
That statistic is somewhat conjectural, since the vast majority of rapes in India are apparently not reported.—
Adjective
-
The Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum fills in the gaps, connecting the old world to the new with impressionists and abstract pioneers.—
-
Kozloff also made and exhibited abstract paintings that channeled heroes such as Pierre Bonnard and Philip Guston.—
Cite this Entry
“Theoretical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/theoretical. Accessed 17 Apr. 2025.
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share