platonic

adjective

Definition of platonicnext
as in hypothetical

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Example Sentences

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 platonic Burstyn describes their characters’ relationship as a unique exploration of platonic intimacy. — Nigel Smith, PEOPLE, 8 Sep. 2026 Brady, 49 and Earle, 25, also seemed platonic-plus about a month later at a Super Bowl party in California. — Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 5 Sep. 2026 In that time, the program has not been the platonic ideal of college football excellence. — Pete Sampson, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026 Olsen certainly hurt those around him, too, growing up, especially as his addiction spiraled and his platonic, romantic and familial relationships fell apart. — David Oliver, USA Today, 2 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for platonic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for platonic
  1. hypothetical
  2. theoretical
  3. potential
  4. nonexistent
  5. possible
  6. conjectural
  7. ideal
  8. alleged
Adjective
  • Farther from Tau Ceti, where the light was weaker, a hypothetical high-sensitivity camera could reveal them.
    — Davide Abbatescianni, Variety, 18 Oct. 2026
  • In this approach, researchers come up with hypothetical scenarios based on existing technology trends, leaning into certain features.
    — Lissa Soep, Vox, 17 Oct. 2026
Definition of hypothetical
Adjective
  • The measurements showed relatively strong emission from the single crystal, consistent with theoretical predictions.
    — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 13 Oct. 2026
  • Planning for a theoretical catastrophe can lead clients in unexpected directions.
    — Megan Buerger, Washington Post, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of theoretical
Adjective
  • Good news for Boeing, but could this accidental monopoly be a potential disaster waiting to happen?
    — Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 18 Oct. 2026
  • That means most people are exposed to AI’s downsides — rising electricity costs, potential job disruption — without any claim on its upside.
    — Sarah Cannon, Fortune, 18 Oct. 2026
Definition of potential
Adjective
  • Dark greens represent the strongest signal, yellows represent a weaker signal, and grays represent a very weak or nonexistent signal.
    — John R. Delaney, PC Magazine, 17 Oct. 2026
  • In comments shared on social media, many claimed her face appeared frozen and motionless, her expressions nonexistent.
    — Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of nonexistent
Adjective
  • The students who stepped forward when their teacher collapsed playing basketball in Michigan illustrate what becomes possible when CPR skills are taught before they are needed.
    — Meng Yang, Time, 18 Oct. 2026
  • The film team had to come up with a strategy to capture as much as possible without interfering with Schnell’s challenge.
    — Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 17 Oct. 2026
Definition of possible
Adjective
  • The first two questions are too hypothetical and conjectural.
    — Baltimore Sun staff, Baltimore Sun, 20 May 2026
  • Projections of economic gains from major sporting events are typically optimistic, euphoric, chimerical or conjectural.
    — Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 19 June 2025
Definition of conjectural
Adjective
  • Under ideal conditions, electrons are slowed in their passage through the electron transport chain just enough that their energy can be transferred.
    — Rowan Jacobsen, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026
  • Unlike ideal simulations, which assume quantum operations can be performed without errors, the new work models the disturbances that physical quantum processors encounter during calculations.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 19 Oct. 2026
Definition of ideal
Adjective
  • What the records show As the investigation remains underway, CNN analysis has revealed alleged maintenance issues and guest injuries at several Six Flags parks.
    — Isa Mudannayake, CNN Money, 17 Oct. 2026
  • The complaint continued to identify No One Ever Really Dies as a source of alleged damages that could exceed $1 million.
    — Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 17 Oct. 2026
Definition of alleged

Browse Nearby Words

platitudinous
platonic
platoon
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Cite this Entry

“Platonic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/platonic. Accessed 21 Oct. 2026.

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