Word Finder
What's the word for something not guaranteed to exist?
The word you're looking for
Something theoretical, imagined, or assumed but not proven to be true or real. It describes something that may never actually exist or happen.
Other words that fit
Use this in academic or formal writing when emphasizing that something is based on guessing rather than facts.
Prefer this in legal or formal contexts (e.g., 'putative father'); sounds more official and less common in everyday speech.
Choose this for casual conversation; it's simpler and more common in everyday English than hypothetical.
Why this word
Hypothetical describes something that is imagined, supposed, or assumed but not proven to be true or real. It often refers to theoretical situations or things that may never actually happen. This word is very common in academic and professional settings when discussing ideas or scenarios that haven't occurred yet. People sometimes confuse it with "possible," but hypothetical is stronger—it emphasizes the assumed or theoretical nature, not just the chance of something happening. You'll often hear it in phrases like "a hypothetical situation" or "let's say hypothetically..."
In context
- The doctor discussed several hypothetical scenarios for treating the patient's condition.
- A hypothetical conversation with her boss won't solve the real problem.
- Let's say hypothetically—if you won the lottery, what would you do?
Other concepts to find a word for
Frequently asked questions
- What's the difference between 'hypothetical' and 'possible'?
- Hypothetical describes something imagined or theoretical, often not proven real. Possible just means something could happen. A hypothetical thing might never actually exist, while a possible thing has a chance of occurring.
- Is 'hypothetical' formal or casual?
- It's fairly neutral—common in academic writing and professional discussions, but also used in everyday conversation. More formal than 'imagine' but less formal than 'conjectural.'
- Can I use 'hypothetically' as an adverb?
- Yes! 'Hypothetically, if I won the lottery...' is a common way to start speculative conversations.
- What's a quick synonym for 'hypothetical'?
- Common synonyms include 'supposed,' 'assumed,' 'theoretical,' and 'conjectural.' 'Putative' is more formal and often used in legal contexts.