Hypothetical — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adjective noun /ˌhī-pə-ˈthe-ti-kəl/ hy·po·thet·i·cal

Meaning & Definition of Hypothetical

Hypothetical (adjective)

  1. involving or being based on a suggested idea or theory, being or involving a hypothesis, conjectural

Hypothetical (adjective) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. existing only as an assumption or speculation

    "we talked about what we would do in various hypothetical emergencies"

    similar: academic, conjectural, speculative, suppositional, theoretical
    related: alleged, assumed, presumed, presupposed, proposed, supposed, unproved, unproven, untested, debatable, moot, abstract, conceptual, intellectual, metaphysical, nonclinical, nonpractical, nonempirical
    opposite: actual, factual, real
    near: clinical, practical, concrete, defined, definite, distinct, attested, authenticated, confirmed, demonstrated, established, proven, substantiated, tested, time-tested, validated, verified, empirical, nonspeculative, nontheoretical, observational

Hypothetical (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. something taken as being true or factual and used as a starting point for a course of action or reasoning

    "believes that predictions of the extinction of certain species as the result of global warming are based upon too many hypotheticals"

    similar: assumption, given, if, postulate, premise, presumption, presupposition, supposition
    related: hypothesis, proposition, theory, thesis, axiom, truism, verity, belief, canon, doctrine, dogma, gospel, law, precept, principle, rule, standard, tenet, basis, foundation, ground, conclusion, deduction, inference, affirmation, assertion, avouchment, declaration, dictum, ipse dixit

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Hypothetical

The most common words with a similar meaning to Hypothetical:

academic, conjectural, speculative, suppositional, theoretical, assumption, given, if, postulate, premise, presumption, presupposition, supposition

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Hypothetical

Words with the opposite meaning of Hypothetical:

actual, factual, real

Related Words for Hypothetical

alleged, assumed, presumed, presupposed, proposed, supposed, unproved, unproven, untested, debatable, moot, abstract, conceptual, intellectual, metaphysical, nonclinical, nonpractical, nonempirical, hypothesis, proposition, theory, thesis, axiom, truism, verity, belief, canon, doctrine, dogma, gospel

Near Antonyms of Hypothetical

clinical, practical, concrete, defined, definite, distinct, attested, authenticated, confirmed, demonstrated, established, proven, substantiated, tested, time-tested, validated, verified, empirical, nonspeculative, nontheoretical, observational

Word Forms of Hypothetical

Derived words: hypothetical (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Hypothetical

First known use: 1588

Frequently Asked Questions about Hypothetical

What does "Hypothetical" mean?

"Hypothetical" means involving or being based on a suggested idea or theory, being or involving a hypothesis, conjectural. As an an adjective and a noun, it is defined as: involving or being based on a suggested idea or theory, being or involving a hypothesis, conjectural. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Hypothetical"?

Other words for "Hypothetical" include academic, conjectural, speculative, suppositional, theoretical, assumption, given and if. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Hypothetical" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Hypothetical"?

There are 61 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Hypothetical". Common alternatives include academic, conjectural, speculative, suppositional, theoretical, assumption, given, if, postulate and premise.

What is the opposite of "Hypothetical"?

Antonyms of "Hypothetical" include actual, factual and real. Near antonyms include clinical, practical, concrete and defined.

How do you use "Hypothetical" in a sentence?

Examples of "Hypothetical" in a sentence: "we talked about what we would do in various hypothetical emergencies"; "believes that predictions of the extinction of certain species as the result of global warming are based upon too many hypotheticals".

Is "Hypothetical" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Hypothetical" can be used as an adjective and a noun, depending on the context.

How do you pronounce "Hypothetical"?

"Hypothetical" is pronounced /ˌhī-pə-ˈthe-ti-kəl/ and divided into syllables as hy·po·thet·i·cal.

What is the origin of the word "Hypothetical"?

First known use: 1588.