experimental

[ik-sper-uh-men-tl] / ɪkˌspɛr əˈmɛn tl /

ADJECTIVE

exploratory

Synonyms

STRONGEST

empirical preliminary unproved

WEAK

beginning developmental experiential first stage laboratory momentary on approval pilot preparatory primary probationary provisional speculative temporary tentative test trial trial-and-error unconcluded under probation

Antonyms

WEAK

proven tested tried

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.

The team created a new experimental system in which one fish watched and responded to another fish that was swimming nearby.

From Science Daily • Jun. 2, 2026

Abivax shares fell sharply after the French biotech company said some patients developed cancer in a late-stage clinical trial for an experimental bowel-disease drug that was unrelated to the treatment.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 2, 2026

A range of acts from folk, trad and jazz to hiphop, soul and experimental sounds were all set to take to the stage.

From BBC • Jun. 2, 2026

There is no approved vaccine but experimental ones are in development.

From BBC • Jun. 1, 2026

Gilbert, the physician and experimental scientist, had been a mathematical examiner when a fellow of St John’s College, Cambridge, and his fundamental goal was to prove the truth of Copernicanism.

From "The Invention of Science" by David Wootton

Vocabulary lists containing experimental

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