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.

That hypothetical $330,000 nest egg, while not guaranteed, is hard to resist.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 11, 2026

Speaking to the BBC, Rayner said she did not want to comment on a hypothetical Labour leadership contest.

From BBC • Jun. 10, 2026

"While it's hypothetical at this point, the research could improve climate modeling," said Fang.

From Science Daily • Jun. 3, 2026

Even online users that were hypothetical proponents of taking the long walk admitted they wouldn’t actually do it themselves, or weren’t even attending the matches in the first place.

From Salon • Jun. 3, 2026

Biologists might have blanched at trying to describe the “gene molecule” on purely hypothetical grounds—but what physicist could resist taking a ramble in weird, risky territory?

From "The Gene" by Siddhartha Mukherjee

Vocabulary lists containing hypothetical

Argumentative Writing

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

Words That Could Go Either Way: Synonyms for "Maybe"

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

The SAT: Language of the Test, List 6

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!