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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.

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

Scientists suspect that this subtle rotation could be linked to hypothetical elementary particles called axions.

From Science Daily • Mar. 16, 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.