nonempirical

adjective

Definition of nonempiricalnext
as in theoretical

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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 nonempirical The enforcement of such nonempirical standards as taste and judgment implies a kind of cultural and aesthetic hierarchy that Silicon Valley’s ruling class embraces ruthlessly but will never admit to countenancing. — Kevin D. Williamson, National Review, 20 Oct. 2019 Each story represents a fresh challenge of how to say things in a nonempirical way. — Hilton Als, The New Yorker, 24 June 2018
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nonempirical
  1. theoretical
  2. alleged
  3. hypothetical
  4. conceptual
  5. speculative
  6. unproven
  7. unproved
  8. presumed
Adjective
  • David Sloan is a theoretical physicist at Lancaster University and the Chief Scientific Officer of the Foundational Questions Institute.
    — Big Think, Big Think, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Far from being a theoretical threat, at least one active attack is already exploiting the mixup.
    — Dan Goodin, ArsTechnica, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of theoretical
Adjective
  • However, what makes Sichuan different is its alleged use of an electromagnetic aircraft-launch system.
    — Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 30 Aug. 2026
  • The teen, a standout player on his high school football team, remains behind bars over the alleged incident.
    — Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of alleged
Adjective
  • Then both writers picked the hypothetical game’s winner, all in a quest to determine who really is the best.
    — Scott Dochterman, New York Times, 23 Aug. 2026
  • The study estimated both the investment returns and taxes imposed on a hypothetical investor who held a market portfolio from 1926 to 2025.
    — Bob Carlson, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 2026
Definition of hypothetical
Adjective
  • As previously announced, the event which raises funds for amfAR’s mission to support HIV research and improve global health, will also honor conceptual and performance artist Marina Abramović with amfAR’s Award of Inspiration.
    — Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 21 Aug. 2026
  • An art adviser who doesn’t like Lalanne or the type of person who is drawn to them said that their worst pieces have no conceptual content.
    — Marisa Meltzer, Vanity Fair, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of conceptual
Adjective
  • Unitree’s recent slump has raised concerns about how Beijing may boost emerging strategic sectors without stoking a speculative frenzy.
    — Anniek Bao,Elaine Yu, CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
  • The premise places the film inside a debate that has moved rapidly from speculative fiction into everyday working life, but Lien’s approach leans away from techno-thriller territory.
    — Davide Abbatescianni, Variety, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of speculative
Adjective
  • Earlier this month, the president made several unproven statements about vaccines while signing an executive order on the matter.
    — Sara Moniuszko, USA Today, 24 Aug. 2026
  • The clock is ticking for the Dolphins and their roster full of young, unproven players.
    — Chris Perkins, Sun Sentinel, 23 Aug. 2026
Definition of unproven
Adjective
  • But Starship still must demonstrate multiple unproved capabilities that are crucial to NASA’s plans—such as the in-space refueling, via multiple launches, that’s required for sending the vehicle out of low-Earth orbit to the moon.
    — Lee Billings, Scientific American, 29 May 2026
  • When gambling becomes the norm, taking risks in unproved investment channels start to look reasonable.
    — Kyle Chayka, New Yorker, 20 May 2026
Definition of unproved
Adjective
  • The presumed reasoning behind why the film was ignored is multilayered.
    — Marcus Jones, IndieWire, 8 Aug. 2025
Definition of presumed

Browse Nearby Words

nonemphatic
nonempirical
nonemployment
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Cite this Entry

“Nonempirical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nonempirical. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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