hypothetical

adjective

hy·​po·​thet·​i·​cal ˌhī-pə-ˈthe-ti-kəl 

: involving or being based on a suggested idea or theory : being or involving a hypothesis : conjectural

hypothetical arguments

a hypothetical situation

hypothetical noun

Synonyms of hypothetical

• theoretical
• speculative

Examples of hypothetical in a Sentence

She described a hypothetical case to clarify her point.

we talked about what we would do in various hypothetical emergencies

Recent Examples on the Web

This investigation could shed light on the hypothetical collision between Earth and a Mars-sized planetary body called Theia, which is thought to have spilled matter around our planet that coalesced to forge the moon billions of years ago. — Robert Lea, Space.com, 6 Oct. 2026

Washington Examiner columnist Joe Concha blasted former first lady Michelle Obama’s podcast, IMO with Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson, after a segment discussing hypothetical scenarios of men getting pregnant. — Mackenzie Chase, The Washington Examiner, 4 Oct. 2026

In other words, Curtis’ hypothetical hinged on a somewhat ludicrous notion, which is to say if ESPN chose to revisit that botched experiment, McAfee would be the guy to take on the role as comic foil. — Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 2 Oct. 2026

But directly detecting WIMPs, or other alternative hypothetical dark matter particles, has eluded physicists for decades. — ArsTechnica, 2 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1588, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for hypothetical

• alphabetical
• antithetical
• arithmetical
• catechetical
• exegetical
• homiletical
• parenthetical
• theoretical
• aesthetical
• genetical
• heretical
• magnetical

Kids Definition

hypothetical

adjective

hy·​po·​thet·​i·​cal ˌhi-pə-ˈthet-i-kəl 

1

: involving a hypothesis or the making of assumptions : assumed

2

: imagined for purposes of example

a hypothetical case

hypothetically

-i-k(ə-)lē 

adverb