hypothetical

adjective

hy·​po·​thet·​i·​cal ˌhī-pə-ˈthe-ti-kəl 

: involving or being based on a suggested idea or theory : being or involving a hypothesis : conjectural

hypothetical arguments

a hypothetical situation

hypothetical noun

Synonyms

• academic
• academical
• conjectural
• speculative
• suppositional
• theoretical
• theoretic

Examples of hypothetical in a Sentence

She described a hypothetical case to clarify her point.

we talked about what we would do in various hypothetical emergencies

Recent Examples on the Web

In essence, the memo contended that the plaintiffs' request to block the new enforcement policy is based on speculation of hypothetical future harm — and thus is insufficient grounds for issuing an injunction. —CBS News, 11 Feb. 2025

Using these insights, the group of industry actors developed some hypothetical concepts to tackle the systemic barriers knee-capping circularity. —Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 6 Feb. 2025

Bruce Brown, New Orleans Pelicans Bruce Brown, who was reportedly moved to the New Orleans Pelicans to match salaries in the Toronto Raptors' acquisition of Brandon Ingram, is easily the top name on this hypothetical list. —Kristan Hawkins, Newsweek, 6 Feb. 2025

In 2021, economists from the European Center for International Political Economy estimated the potential impact of hypothetical 25 percent tariffs from the US and Europe on drugs and their ingredients. —Dylan Scott, Vox, 5 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1588, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

hypothetical

adjective

hy·​po·​thet·​i·​cal ˌhi-pə-ˈthet-i-kəl 

1

: involving a hypothesis or the making of assumptions : assumed

2

: imagined for purposes of example

a hypothetical case

hypothetically

-i-k(ə-)lē 

adverb