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
There are no current plans for a second season of No Good Deed, but there is a theoretical possibility for the dark comedy anthology to come back in the future with a new installment — and a new cast — sources said.
—
Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 2 July 2025
Final Approach The consequences are no longer theoretical.
—Emil Sayegh, Forbes.com, 6 July 2025
For the first time in decades, the question of succession is no longer theoretical.
—Pegah Banihashemi, Twin Cities, 2 July 2025
And the consequences are not theoretical in South Carolina or other states with hostile legislatures.
—Nick Mordowanec, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for theoretical
Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 2 July 2025
Final Approach The consequences are no longer theoretical.
—Emil Sayegh, Forbes.com, 6 July 2025
For the first time in decades, the question of succession is no longer theoretical.
—Pegah Banihashemi, Twin Cities, 2 July 2025
And the consequences are not theoretical in South Carolina or other states with hostile legislatures.
—Nick Mordowanec, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for theoretical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for theoretical
Adjective
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Meanwhile, civil society groups, ranging from the Electronic Frontier Foundation to the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, argue that those harms are not hypothetical, but are here now.—
Paulo Carvão,
Forbes.com,
7 July 2025
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The challenge here was to think about a hypothetical world unique and singular to the world of the film – neither past, present nor future.—
Georg Szalai,
HollywoodReporter,
3 July 2025
Adjective
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Vendors will offer beads, minerals, gemstones, custom jewelry, fossils, artifacts, and metaphysical stones.—
Joe Rassel,
The Orlando Sentinel,
10 July 2025
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The sense of evil has nothing cosmic or metaphysical about it; there’s no grandeur and no wonder to Gunn’s universe and, although there’s much discussion of the defining quality of one’s actions and choices, the film’s superheroes seem thin, constrained, and undefined.—
Richard Brody,
New Yorker,
10 July 2025
Adjective
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Butch Dill/Getty Images While the report is purely speculative at this point, Saban unretiring to get back into coaching wouldn't be a complete shock.—
Michael Gallagher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
14 July 2025
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While estimates for the amount of guidance in existence or birthed yearly may not be as speculative as extrasolar planetary life, the magnitude remains bathed in the radiation of indifference.—
Clyde Wayne Crews Jr,
Forbes.com,
14 July 2025
Adjective
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For more than a decade, Bea Interiors Design has offered a full range of services including conceptual design, custom furniture and finishes, project coordination, art procurement and installation, and lighting and furniture design.—
Dan Howarth,
Architectural Digest,
7 July 2025
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But officials have shelved early, more ambitious conceptual features, partly because of environmental limitations.—
John Tuohy,
IndyStar,
2 July 2025
Adjective
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Projections of economic gains from major sporting events are typically optimistic, euphoric, chimerical or conjectural.—
Michael Hiltzik,
Los Angeles Times,
19 June 2025
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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
Adjective
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On the right ear cup, abstract linework inspired by audio waveforms flows across the surface.—
Mark Sparrow,
Forbes.com,
7 July 2025
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Scott’s abstract painting also speaks to legacy and the spirit of New Orleans.—
Essence,
Essence,
2 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Theoretical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/theoretical. Accessed 21 Jul. 2025.
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