NONEMPIRICAL Synonyms: 50 Similar and Opposite Words

nonempirical

adjective

Definition of nonempirical

as in theoretical

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Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of nonempirical The enforcement of such nonempirical standards as taste and judgment implies a kind of cultural and aesthetic hierarchy that Silicon Valley’s ruling class embraces ruthlessly but will never admit to countenancing. — Kevin D. Williamson, National Review, 20 Oct. 2019 Each story represents a fresh challenge of how to say things in a nonempirical way. — Hilton Als, The New Yorker, 24 June 2018

Recent Examples of Synonyms for nonempirical

Adjective

The dizzying evolution of AI picks up speed when Ilya gets Sam worked up about next-level AGI, or Artificial General Intelligence, theoretical technology with human-level cognitive capabilities.

— David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 6 Oct. 2026
Each resolves or makes substantial progress on a major open question in mathematics or theoretical computer science, the company says.

— Joseph Howlett, Scientific American, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of theoretical

Adjective

Several Japanese nationals, including executives at top Japanese firms, were reportedly detained in August over alleged violations of dual-use goods export restrictions.

— Anniek Bao,Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 5 Oct. 2026
One answer to such questions comes from the recent resignation of BOR Vice Chair Juanita James, who was appointed to head the search for a new CSCU chancellor, and faced her own criticism for alleged inaction over the problems within the BOR.

— Dr. Matthew Warshauer, Hartford Courant, 4 Oct. 2026

Definition of alleged

Adjective

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

Definition of hypothetical

Adjective

During the reception, honoree and conceptual artist Thomas reflected on the journey to receiving such a distinction and the many people who have guided him.

— Brianna J. Heath, Footwear News, 6 Oct. 2026
The conceptual vocabulary of tribal psychology appears increasingly necessary to make sense of this.

— Michael Morris, Fortune, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of conceptual

Adjective

Under the concept True Dystopic, the #LINK Vertical program brings together auteur documentary and genre cinema, using real locations in Rio de Janeiro as settings for imagining speculative futures.

— Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 6 Oct. 2026
The governor, who is up for reelection in November, said speculative proposals to build data centers had swamped Pennsylvania.

— Salena Zito, Washington Post, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of speculative

Adjective

Do not introduce an unproven customer-facing AI workflow during peak season.

— Michael Fox, Forbes.com, 2 Oct. 2026
For the rest of the industry, that could put the onus on an array of nascent technologies, from unproven launch vehicles to a troubled astronaut spacecraft under development by Boeing that previously malfunctioned with two NASA astronauts aboard.

— Jackie Wattles, CNN Money, 30 Sep. 2026

Definition of unproven

Adjective

That is sparking a whole industry that markets other peptides — largely unproved and untested — that are said to increase muscle growth, speed recovery and fight aging.

— Jonathan Fahey, Los Angeles Times, 18 Sep. 2026
But Starship still must demonstrate multiple unproved capabilities that are crucial to NASA’s plans—such as the in-space refueling, via multiple launches, that’s required for sending the vehicle out of low-Earth orbit to the moon.

— Lee Billings, Scientific American, 29 May 2026

Definition of unproved

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“Nonempirical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nonempirical. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of nonempirical

adjective

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