variants
also theoretic
1
as in hypothetical
existing only as an assumption or speculation
the merits of the new testing procedures are purely theoretical, since no one has ever used them before
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in metaphysical
dealing with or expressing a quality or idea
the theoretical musings in his new book are less engaging than the anecdote-driven arguments of his previous works
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Examples Sentences
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Recent Examples of theoretical
By judicious use of power conservation, as well as staying below the maximum theoretical throughput speeds of PCIe 5.0, the P510 attenuates the prodigious heat generated by its high-performance Gen 5 counterparts.
—
PCMAG, 11 Jan. 2025
This isn’t theoretical—businesses are already using quantum to: Dynamically reallocate budgets to maximize ROI.
—Jason Snyder, Forbes, 9 Jan. 2025
Most Popular Stories of 2020 Crocodiles in Egypt, latrines in Rome, two timely syllabi, plus interviews with an epidemiologist and a theoretical physicist, were readers' favorites this year.
—JSTOR Daily, 8 Jan. 2025
The theoretical matchups fans anticipated during the offseason are finally starting to play out on the court, adding a new wrinkle to the traditional rivalries of league play.
—Sabreena Merchant, The Athletic, 6 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for theoretical 
PCMAG, 11 Jan. 2025
This isn’t theoretical—businesses are already using quantum to: Dynamically reallocate budgets to maximize ROI.
—Jason Snyder, Forbes, 9 Jan. 2025
Most Popular Stories of 2020 Crocodiles in Egypt, latrines in Rome, two timely syllabi, plus interviews with an epidemiologist and a theoretical physicist, were readers' favorites this year.
—JSTOR Daily, 8 Jan. 2025
The theoretical matchups fans anticipated during the offseason are finally starting to play out on the court, adding a new wrinkle to the traditional rivalries of league play.
—Sabreena Merchant, The Athletic, 6 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for theoretical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for theoretical
Adjective
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In a hypothetical exercise, writers at The Athletic covering teams that could be interested in Hill came up with four potential trade offers, and national NFL writer Mike Jones provided an answer from the Dolphins.—
The Athletic NFL Staff,
The Athletic,
8 Jan. 2025
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These harms are inextricable from the idea of superintelligence, because experts do not currently know how to align these hypothetical systems with human values.—
Tharin Pillay,
TIME,
8 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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Carlson’s images combust with metaphysical abundance.—
Jeremy Lybarger,
ARTnews.com,
6 Jan. 2025
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Though scientific evidence for crystal healing is yet to be established, many spiritual practitioners believe in their metaphysical properties, which are thought to support emotional and spiritual transformation.—
Valerie Mesa,
People.com,
23 Nov. 2024
Adjective
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The two sides will stop fighting for 42 days, with the aim (again, speculative) of making that cease-fire permanent and ending the war.—
Graeme Wood,
The Atlantic,
16 Jan. 2025
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The funding was made by California Jobs First as part of a larger pool of $600 million created by the state in 2021 to help create jobs and prevent a wave of property acquisitions by speculative investors.—
Pat Maio,
Orange County Register,
15 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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Disability Studies: Foundations & Key Concepts This non-exhaustive reading list highlights some of the key debates and conceptual shifts in disability studies.—
JSTOR Daily,
JSTOR Daily,
8 Jan. 2025
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The intentionally empty area around Sgr A*'s frame seemed to actually punctuate its conceptual and visual weight in a way its typical online backdrop of search bars and Google Chrome tabs never has for me.—
Monisha Ravisetti,
Space.com,
4 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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But the possible consequences of an Iranian nuclear capability are largely conjectural (save for one: nobody would think of invading Iran anymore).—
Barry R. Posen,
Foreign Affairs,
7 Sep. 2010
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That statistic is somewhat conjectural, since the vast majority of rapes in India are apparently not reported.—
Mark Jenkins,
Washington Post,
7 Nov. 2023
Adjective
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The mood looks both delightful and a little melancholic — tiny, abstract people making their way in the biggest, loneliest of places.—
Lewis Gordon,
Vulture,
8 Jan. 2025
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Indeed, a persistent criticism is that their artistic approach evades urgent issues in favor of abstract or anodyne statements.—
Travis Diehl,
New York Times,
8 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near theoretical
Cite this Entry
“Theoretical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/theoretical. Accessed 22 Jan. 2025.
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