hypothetically
adverb
hy·po·thet·i·cal·ly
ˌhī-pə-ˈthe-ti-k(ə-)lē 
: by making an assumption for the sake of discussion or argument : in a hypothetical way
speaking hypothetically
In this lucid report … he uses genetic differences, maps, computer simulations and an analysis of linguistic changes in the world's languages to hypothetically reconstruct the mass migrations of people across continents since modern humans first appeared.—
Genevieve Stuttaford
Genevieve StuttafordWe asked ourselves hypothetically: If the chairmen of the boards of these major tobacco companies walked in here today and said, "Okay, we're ready to do a deal," what did we want?—Lewis H. Lapham
—used to suggest what is theoretically possibleLewis H. LaphamHypothetically, you could use a computer to synthesize a large number of harmonics, add them back together, and reproduce a sound similar to that of the bowed violin string.—Dragan Huterer
Dragan HutererExamples of hypothetically in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The Fed would, hypothetically, compute inflation as if tariffs had not pushed up prices, then conduct policy accordingly.
—Bill Conerly, Forbes, 30 Dec. 2024
For instance, while pasteurized milk is safe to drink, there is inactivated virus in it — which could hypothetically trigger certain tests to appear positive.
—Susanne Rust, Los Angeles Times, 19 Nov. 2024
The Jets could hypothetically have a roster spot to spare if Reddick continues his holdout past cut-down day, which feels like a possibility to consider at this point.
—Zack Rosenblatt, The Athletic, 7 Aug. 2024
Arenado would hypothetically be one to consider given the situation.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 12 Dec. 2024
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Bill Conerly, Forbes, 30 Dec. 2024
For instance, while pasteurized milk is safe to drink, there is inactivated virus in it — which could hypothetically trigger certain tests to appear positive.
—Susanne Rust, Los Angeles Times, 19 Nov. 2024
The Jets could hypothetically have a roster spot to spare if Reddick continues his holdout past cut-down day, which feels like a possibility to consider at this point.
—Zack Rosenblatt, The Athletic, 7 Aug. 2024
Arenado would hypothetically be one to consider given the situation.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 12 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for hypothetically
Dictionary Entries Near hypothetically
Cite this Entry
“Hypothetically.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hypothetically. Accessed 22 Jan. 2025.
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