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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.

This field is important because it can bring about topological quantum computing, a hypothetical way of storing and manipulating quantum information while protecting it against errors.

From Science Daily • Mar. 29, 2026

Consider the following hypothetical: a natural health brand looking to sell its supplements to a broader audience.

From Slate • Mar. 28, 2026

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

From MarketWatch • Mar. 24, 2026

The launches make that hypothetical threat real, said Douglas Barrie, a specialist in military aerospace at the International Institute for Strategic Studies.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 21, 2026

Doomsday scenarios are only fun when doomsday is just a hypothetical.

From "Dry" by Neal Shusterman and Jarrod Shusterman

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