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Synonyms

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.


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

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

This field is important because it can bring about topological quantum computing, a hypothetical way of storing and manipulating quantum information while protecting it against errors.

From Science Daily • Mar. 29, 2026

Consider a hypothetical woman in her late 40s who is just looking to lose 10 pounds before summer so that she can finally wear that bikini she bought a decade ago.

From Slate • Mar. 22, 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

Any examples or illustrations are hypothetical and do not reflect the results of any specific person or account.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 16, 2026

When pressed to explain the discrepancy between his hypothetical antislavery position and his actual dedication to self-imposed paralysis, he tended to offer several different answers.

From "Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation" by Joseph J. Ellis