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Showing results for hypothetical. Search instead for hypothetica.
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 is not a distant or hypothetical risk.

From Science Daily • Apr. 5, 2026

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

From Slate • Mar. 28, 2026

Consider the terrible performance of a hypothetical portfolio containing stocks whose borrowing costs exceeded 50% annually.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 27, 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

“But it’s all hypothetical, so what does it matter?”

From "Clairboyance" by Kristiana Kahakauwila