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Showing results for hypothetical. Search instead for hypo-thetical.
Definitions

hypothetical

[hahy-puh-thet-i-kuhl] / ˌhaɪ pəˈθɛt ɪ kəl /
ADJECTIVE
guessed, assumed
Synonyms
STRONGEST
debatable imaginary problematic speculative theoretical vague
STRONG
academic contingent pretending suspect
WEAK
assumptive casual concocted conditional conjecturable conjectural contestable disputable doubtful equivocal imagined indefinite indeterminate postulated presumptive presupposed provisory putative questionable refutable stochastic supposed suppositional suppositious theoretic uncertain unconfirmed
Antonyms
STRONGEST
certain definite factual real sure
WEAK
calculated confirmed measured proved proven reliable truthful

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

“We decline to comment on hypothetical assumptions or rumours.”

From MarketWatch • Mar. 24, 2026

Consider a hypothetical woman in her late 40s who is just looking to lose 10 pounds before summer so that she can finally wear that bikini she bought a decade ago.

From Slate • Mar. 22, 2026

Asked if he had known anything in advance about the attack would he have done anything, Adams said that was a hypothetical question as he "didn't know" about it.

From BBC • Mar. 18, 2026

Scientists suspect that this subtle rotation could be linked to hypothetical elementary particles called axions.

From Science Daily • Mar. 16, 2026

Courtesy NASA. shapeType32lineWidth24130shapeType32lineWidth24130shapeType32lineWidth24130A hypothetical ice planet in the system of the Ring Nebula in Lyra.

From "Cosmos" by Carl Sagan

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.