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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.

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

The daughter in this hypothetical scenario isn’t buying rounds of lattes and taking lavish vacations.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 27, 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

In recent years, Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer, the journalist Annie Jacobsen’s bestselling Nuclear War: A Scenario, and the video game–turned–TV show Fallout have tackled hypothetical armageddon.

From Slate • Mar. 13, 2026

VED: This information changes the quantitative value of questioning needed to provide comprehensive analysis of hypothetical scenario.

From "The First State of Being" by Erin Entrada Kelly

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