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.

Overview Energy’s vision for a space-based power plant that beams energy back to Earth is still hypothetical.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 27, 2026

For the first time, newspaper columnists are pondering a hypothetical scenario in which he might withdraw from the election.

From Barron's • Apr. 24, 2026

A hypothetical $8 million luxury condo could face an additional annual bill of tens of thousands of dollars on top of existing taxes averaging $10,000 to $15,000.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 18, 2026

A hypothetical $10,000 investment in the 15 years through March would have grown into $95,080—more than twice as much as the S&P 500 Value Index and 46% more than the S&P 500 overall.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 9, 2026

It was starting to sound like it wasn’t a hypothetical conversation.

From "The Last Cuentista" by Donna Barba Higuera

Vocabulary lists containing hypothetical

Argumentative Writing

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

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The SAT: Language of the Test, List 6

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