conjectural

[ kuhn-jek-cher-uhl ]

adjective

1. of, of the nature of, or involving conjecture; problematical:

   Theories about the extinction of dinosaurs are highly conjectural.

   Synonyms: doubtful, theoretical, speculative

2. given to making conjectures:

   a conjectural thinker.

conjectural

/ kənˈdʒɛktʃərəl /

adjective

1. involving or inclined to conjecture

Derived Forms

• conˈjecturally, adverb

Other Words From

• con·jectur·al·ly adverb
• uncon·jectur·al adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of conjectural¹

1545–55; < Latin conjectūrālis, equivalent to conjectūr ( a ) conjecture + -ālis -al ¹

Example Sentences

The court sided with the officers, saying that the township failed to demonstrate “real, not conjectural, harm” by using the flag and that the ban “addresses that harm in a direct and material way.”

From Seattle Times

The Constitution restricts the court to ruling only on actual “cases” and “controversies” — that is, on concrete harms affecting real people, not conjectural issues that might occur in the future.

From Los Angeles Times

Without confirmation from artists, their teams, or Braun himself, changes to Braun’s roster are conjectural.

From Seattle Times

“Petitioner’s claim of injury stemming from the memorandum’s issuance is ‘speculative,’ ‘conjectural’ and ‘hypothetical,’” the Justice Department wrote in its brief.

From Washington Times

Although these hazards are so far entirely conjectural, they are undoubtedly driving a growing community of researchers to study various harm-reduction tactics.

From Scientific American