- 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.
- 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.
- Logic.
- (of a proposition) highly conjectural; not well supported by available evidence.
- (of a proposition or syllogism) conditional (def. 3).
- 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.
- a hypothetical situation, instance, etc.: The Secretary of Defense refused to discuss hypotheticals with the reporters.
- having the nature of a hypothesis
- assumed or thought to exist
- logic another word for conditional (def. 4)
- existing only as an idea or concept
