Synonyms for

Hypothetical

Verb / ˌhaɪpʌˈθetʌkʌl / / ˌhaɪpʌˈθetɪkʌl / Another word for hypothetical — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

Hypothetical means based on a situation or condition that may not be true or real.

Synonyms & similar words

divinatory suppositious supposed hypothetic supposititious suppositional conjectural theoretical imaginary suppositional speculative conjectural notional abstract putative presumed assumed supposed potential possible unreal fictitious fantasy make-believe pretend fictional

Synonyms by register

Formal

suppositious theoretical speculative assumed

Informal

what-if supposed imaginary

Literary

apocryphal fanciful

Antonyms

actual real factual proven concrete tangible verified

Common collocations

  • hypothetical situation
  • hypothetical case
  • hypothetical question
  • hypothetical scenario
  • hypothetical model
  • hypothetical example
  • hypothetical reasoning

Word family

noun hypothesis
adjective hypothetical
adverb hypothetically

Usage note

Often used to introduce a premise for discussion or argument. Be careful not to confuse with 'actual' or 'real' situations.

Example sentences

  1. If I had a million dollars, I would buy a big house. But that's just a hypothetical situation because I don't have a million dollars.
  2. The teacher gave us a hypothetical story to read and asked us to write an ending to it.
  3. Scientists use hypothetical models to understand how things work.
  4. In a hypothetical situation where you had to choose between saving your pet or saving a stranger, what would you do?
  5. I asked my friend a hypothetical question: If you could be any animal, what would you be?

Quotes

  • In a hypothetical world, I would love to just do theater and only theater for the rest of my life.
  • In a hypothetical world, I would love to do a musical movie.
  • In a hypothetical world, I would love to do a comedy with Will Ferrell.

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