theoretical

adjective

ˌthē-ə-ˈre-ti-kəl How to pronounce theoretical (audio)
variants also theoretic
Definition of theoreticalnext
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

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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

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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 For some residents, the question of what happens after demolition is not theoretical. — Reginald David, Hartford Courant, 19 Aug. 2026 As long as the benefits remain theoretical, the exercise of updating the operating model of government may seem dry and technocratic. — Jennifer Pahlka, Foreign Affairs, 18 Aug. 2026 Cuban’s warning is less about theoretical exits of billionaires out of California and is more about underscoring the high-profile departures that have already taken place, like Sergey Brin, Larry Page, and Peter Thiel. — Nathan Goldman, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026 Outfielder Byron Buxton, a longtime theoretical Braves trade target, had been out with a hip injury since late July but returned to Minnesota’s lineup Thursday night. — Tyler Estep, AJC.com, 14 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for theoretical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for theoretical
  1. hypothetical
  2. metaphysical
  3. speculative
  4. conceptual
  5. conjectural
  6. abstract
  7. mental
Adjective
  • In a hypothetical head-to-head matchup as seen in a survey from the University of North Florida, Donalds is leading Jolly by 5 points.
    — David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 16 Aug. 2026
  • Senhu Wang and Heejung Chung found that managers rate remote workers worse on commitment, productivity, team spirit and promotion opportunities, even when the hypothetical employees worked remotely only two to three days per week.
    — Gleb Tsipursky, Washington Post, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of hypothetical
Adjective
  • That Dante lived during both the 13th and 14th centuries — and that Tosches’ movements as his novel’s protagonist take place at the start of the 21st century — means nothing in Schnabel’s meta-metaphysical realm.
    — A.D. Amorosi, SPIN, 6 Aug. 2026
  • The war on language is more metaphysical than just the policing of proper social justice terminology, Williams argues.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 23 July 2026
Definition of metaphysical
Adjective
  • Her work often blends documentary research with speculative fiction to explore technology, institutions, and cultural memory.
    — Daniel Cassady, ARTnews.com, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Many millennial and Gen Z collectors also view collector cars as speculative trades rather than long-term stores of value.
    — Robert Frank, CNBC, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of speculative
Adjective
  • Primary contractor Raytheon and partner Composite Energy Technology (CET) developed HADALUS in under 18 months from conceptual sketch to functioning prototype.
    — David Szondy August 17, New Atlas, 17 Aug. 2026
  • Though not outright as conceptual as its predecessors, La Nueva Violencia leaves room to ponder celebrity overexposure and the mind-warping effects of the content age.
    — Richard Villegas, Rolling Stone, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of conceptual
Adjective
  • The first two questions are too hypothetical and conjectural.
    — Baltimore Sun staff, Baltimore Sun, 20 May 2026
  • Projections of economic gains from major sporting events are typically optimistic, euphoric, chimerical or conjectural.
    — Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 19 June 2025
Definition of conjectural
Adjective
  • That site is temporarily closed, and many of the items—pedestals and furniture, photographs and tools—are coming from Paris for this show, giving Brancusi’s cool, abstract sculptures a rich, human context.
    — Shauna Lyon, New Yorker, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Venus in your 12th House of Solitude trines Pluto early on, helping private healing feel less abstract and more powerful.
    — Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of abstract
Adjective
  • Marshall had been charged with defrauding his mother’s estate of millions by inducing her to change her will in his favor after her mental capacity had faded.
    — Robert D. Mcfadden, Chicago Tribune, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Family businesses can build in legal safeguards, such as mandatory retirement ages or mental capacity evaluations, according to Rahn.
    — Hayley Cuccinello, CNBC, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of mental

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theorems
theoretical
theories
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Cite this Entry

“Theoretical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/theoretical. Accessed 22 Aug. 2026.

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