hypothetical

American  

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

adjective

1. assumed or entertained as a theoretical possibility, invented example, premise for argument’s sake, etc.; supposed.

   In the hypothetical case that you miss your flight or it is delayed, you will need a contingency plan.

   Synonyms:

   speculative, theoretical, supposition, academic

2. relating to or characterized by the use of assumptions for argument’s sake or of provisional, informed conjectures to guide investigation.

   Science depends on hypothetical reasoning.

3. Logic.

   1. (of a proposition) highly conjectural; not well supported by available evidence.

   2. (of a proposition or syllogism) conditional.

4. tending to resort to theoretical assumptions, conditional propositions, invented examples, etc., especially unrealistic ones; speculative.

   His stuff is fun to read, but he’s so hypothetical I can’t take him seriously.

   Stop the worry spiral in your mind before your thoughts become too hypothetical.

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noun

1. a hypothetical situation, instance, etc..

   The Secretary of Defense refused to discuss hypotheticals with the reporters.

hypothetical British  

/ ˌhaɪpəˈθɛtɪkəl /

adjective

1. having the nature of a hypothesis

2. assumed or thought to exist

3. logic another word for conditional

4. existing only as an idea or concept

   a time machine is a hypothetical device

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Other Word Forms

• hypothetically adverb
• unhypothetical adjective

Etymology

Origin of hypothetical

First recorded in 1580–90; from Greek hypothetik(ós) “supposed” ( hypo- hypo- + the- “placed, put,” base of tithénai “to place, put, set”) + -tikos -tic ) + -al ¹

Example Sentences

“We decline to comment on hypothetical assumptions or rumours.”

From MarketWatch • Mar. 24, 2026

Asked if he had known anything in advance about the attack would he have done anything, Adams said that was a hypothetical question as he "didn't know" about it.

From BBC • Mar. 18, 2026

Scientists suspect that this subtle rotation could be linked to hypothetical elementary particles called axions.

From Science Daily • Mar. 16, 2026

In recent years, Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer, the journalist Annie Jacobsen’s bestselling Nuclear War: A Scenario, and the video game–turned–TV show Fallout have tackled hypothetical armageddon.

From Slate • Mar. 13, 2026

“We were speaking of a hypothetical case,” I reminded him frostily.

From "Twilight" by Stephenie Meyer

Related Words

• debatable
• imaginary
• problematic
• speculative
• theoretical
• vague