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.

JG: Hypothetical: My pet squirrel died and left me $5,000 in his will with the requirement I spend it at the 2026 World Cup.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 11, 2026

Hypothetical: You’re the owner of an MLB team.

From Los Angeles Times • May 8, 2026

Now it was Cohen’s turn to receive a Kaplan Hypothetical Monologue:

From Slate • Oct. 26, 2023

In 2014, the internet cartoonist known for his XKCD.com stick-figure web comics published “What If? Serious Scientific Answers to Absurd Hypothetical Questions,” a book using math and science to answer the internet’s weirdest questions.

From Seattle Times • Sep. 8, 2022

This Figure therefore I here represent, is wholy Hypothetical.

From Micrographia Some Physiological Descriptions of Minute Bodies Made by Magnifying Glasses with Observations and Inquiries Thereupon by Hooke, Robert

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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