Definitions

hypothetical

[hahy-puh-thet-i-kuhl] / ˌhaɪ pəˈθɛt ɪ kəl /

ADJECTIVE

guessed, assumed

Synonyms

STRONGEST

debatable imaginary problematic speculative theoretical vague

STRONG

academic contingent pretending suspect

WEAK

assumptive casual concocted conditional conjecturable conjectural contestable disputable doubtful equivocal imagined indefinite indeterminate postulated presumptive presupposed provisory putative questionable refutable stochastic supposed suppositional suppositious theoretic uncertain unconfirmed

Antonyms

STRONGEST

certain definite factual real sure

WEAK

calculated confirmed measured proved proven reliable truthful

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.

Consider a hypothetical to see how this might work.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jul. 1, 2026

There is not just one experience of social media, and not just one hypothetical child accessing it.

From Slate • Jun. 18, 2026

As a hypothetical example, the official said that if Iran "behaves", Emirati authorities could build a power plant in Iran, with US blessing.

From BBC • Jun. 17, 2026

Another relevant statistic is the performance of a hypothetical portfolio that each year invests in the U.S. stock with the largest market cap as of the end of the previous year.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 15, 2026

You and I both know how hypothetical this solution is.

From "The Kill Order (Maze Runner, Book Four; Origin)" by James Dashner

Vocabulary lists containing hypothetical

Argumentative Writing

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Words That Could Go Either Way: Synonyms for "Maybe"

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The SAT: Language of the Test, List 6

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