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
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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
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Examples Sentences
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Recent Examples of theoretical
Eventually, a theoretical picture emerged for the supersolid.
—
Quanta Magazine, 6 Nov. 2024
These partnerships are crucial for pushing quantum computing beyond its theoretical potential and into practical, scalable business solutions.
—Yuval Boger, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
There may have also been confusion around management’s theoretical comments about discontinuing the use of Simul-frac, which has unlocked a lot of capital efficiencies.
—Jeff Marks, CNBC, 4 Nov. 2024
The question now is whether this new, more primitive geometric approach to particle physics will allow theoretical physicists to slip the confines of space and time altogether.
—Charlie Wood, WIRED, 3 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for theoretical 
Quanta Magazine, 6 Nov. 2024
These partnerships are crucial for pushing quantum computing beyond its theoretical potential and into practical, scalable business solutions.
—Yuval Boger, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
There may have also been confusion around management’s theoretical comments about discontinuing the use of Simul-frac, which has unlocked a lot of capital efficiencies.
—Jeff Marks, CNBC, 4 Nov. 2024
The question now is whether this new, more primitive geometric approach to particle physics will allow theoretical physicists to slip the confines of space and time altogether.
—Charlie Wood, WIRED, 3 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for theoretical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for theoretical
Adjective
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For example, say your hypothetical mortgage payment is $2,500 while your rent is $2,000, Williams said.Ana Teresa Solá, CNBC, 26 Nov. 2024
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Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan and Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania garnered 38 percent and 37 percent of the hypothetical vote, respectively, to Trump’s 48 percent and 44 percent.Tara Suter, The Hill, 26 Nov. 2024
Adjective
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Perhaps that’s why Sedona attracts such a strong enclave of New Age spiritual devotees searching for metaphysical energy in the vortexes allegedly sprinkled throughout its buttes and spires.Erin Strout, Outside Online, 11 Nov. 2024
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His fascination was with light, optics and the metaphysical, his layered geometric forms made with almost scientific precision.Nargess Banks, Forbes, 31 Oct. 2024
Adjective
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Temporary help service firms and consulting firms are not required to disclose pay and benefits for speculative future openings but must provide this information for specific job openings during interviews or at the time of hire.Alonzo Martinez, Forbes, 22 Nov. 2024
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Successful gold mining today bears little resemblance to the storied era of America’s first gold boom: rough-and-tumble 19th-century boomtowns cropping up overnight to accommodate speculative prospectors, chasing gold veins and rumors.Greg McKenna, Fortune, 21 Nov. 2024
Adjective
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The first step would be securing conceptual acceptance from forest officials as part of a long-term planning document.Lila Seidman, Los Angeles Times, 26 Nov. 2024
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Seth emphasizes that in his view, all of the Avett Brothers albums are conceptual.Bill Kopp, SPIN, 25 Nov. 2024
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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No abstract theory regardless of how sincerely held should impede or distract from that hideous, concrete real-world reality.Caroline Frost, Deadline, 24 Nov. 2024
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Their work encompasses a diverse range of artistic media, including paintings inspired by photographs and ghost houses, mobile sculptures, and abstract images that represent soundscapes.Lisa Deaderick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Nov. 2024
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Cite this Entry
“Theoretical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/theoretical. Accessed 3 Dec. 2024.
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