hypothetically
adverb
hy·po·thet·i·cal·ly
ˌhī-pə-ˈthe-ti-k(ə-)lē 
: by making an assumption for the sake of discussion or argument : in a hypothetical way
speaking hypothetically
In this lucid report … he uses genetic differences, maps, computer simulations and an analysis of linguistic changes in the world's languages to hypothetically reconstruct the mass migrations of people across continents since modern humans first appeared.—
Genevieve Stuttaford
Genevieve StuttafordWe asked ourselves hypothetically: If the chairmen of the boards of these major tobacco companies walked in here today and said, "Okay, we're ready to do a deal," what did we want?—Lewis H. Lapham
—used to suggest what is theoretically possibleLewis H. LaphamHypothetically, you could use a computer to synthesize a large number of harmonics, add them back together, and reproduce a sound similar to that of the bowed violin string.—Dragan Huterer
Dragan HutererExamples of hypothetically in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
So, hypothetically either or both of these teams have the most valuable trade asset available.
—Tyler Small, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2025
So, hypothetically, if the Heat had two first-round picks in June, both in the range of 11 to 14 in the draft, that would add between $4.6 million and $5.4 million in salary per pick.
—Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 17 Feb. 2025
Wade, hypothetically, would set the table for Adames, who totaled career-highs in home runs (32) and RBIs (112) in his final season with the Brewers.
—Justice Delos Santos, The Mercury News, 14 Feb. 2025
As a hypothetical, Miami — within cap rules — could trade Butler, Josh Richardson (on a minimum deal) and a first round pick for Durant, and then do a separate trade that could hypothetically include other players.
—Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 5 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for hypothetically
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Tyler Small, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2025
So, hypothetically, if the Heat had two first-round picks in June, both in the range of 11 to 14 in the draft, that would add between $4.6 million and $5.4 million in salary per pick.
—Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 17 Feb. 2025
Wade, hypothetically, would set the table for Adames, who totaled career-highs in home runs (32) and RBIs (112) in his final season with the Brewers.
—Justice Delos Santos, The Mercury News, 14 Feb. 2025
As a hypothetical, Miami — within cap rules — could trade Butler, Josh Richardson (on a minimum deal) and a first round pick for Durant, and then do a separate trade that could hypothetically include other players.
—Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 5 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for hypothetically
Cite this Entry
“Hypothetically.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hypothetically. Accessed 13 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share