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.

That hypothetical $330,000 nest egg, while not guaranteed, is hard to resist.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 11, 2026

Unlike the Browns, who always seem to be building for a hypothetical future, the Rams have a reputation for going all-in, over and over again.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 2, 2026

Two hypothetical examples might be if Taylor Swift placed a bet on when she might get married or if Trump's administration gave information away willingly to colleagues or friends about future policy.

From BBC • May 21, 2026

In the theory, every particle, including the hypothetical graviton that would carry the force of gravity, comes from different vibrations of tiny strings.

From Science Daily • May 19, 2026

I began to pose a hypothetical question, which I thought expressed insight into Farmer’s itinerant, nomadic life.

From "Mountains Beyond Mountains" by Tracy Kidder and Michael French

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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