experimental

adjective

ik-ˌsper-ə-ˈmen-tᵊl How to pronounce experimental (audio)
Definition of experimentalnext
1
as in developmental
made or done as an experiment an experimental procedure for patients suffering from leukemia

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in empirical
based on observation or experience asserted that experimental knowledge is vastly superior to idle speculation and theorizing

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 experimental That experimental footwear, founded by Sara Blakely, produces its shoes in Spain and Italy using napa leather and Italian mesh. — Amina Ayoud, Footwear News, 29 Aug. 2026 Engineers at Cambridge Atomworks have started experimental testing on the ODIN micro-reactor at a new site in Granta Park, Cambridge. — Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 29 Aug. 2026 Lilly said a study showed people on its experimental, next-generation weight-loss shot retatrutide achieved weight loss of 19% to 28%. — Ken Alltucker, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026 Dolly Parton’s little sister Stella Parton has revealed the country music icon asked her medical team to try experimental drugs on her to help future cancer patients battle their own health struggles. — Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 27 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for experimental
Recent Examples of Synonyms for experimental
  1. developmental
  2. empirical
  3. investigative
  4. observational
  5. preliminary
  6. objective
  7. pilot
Adjective
  • These youngest children typically have major language or developmental delays that are easier for parents and doctors to spot.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 2026
  • With four years of full roster control, the Bills may not want to risk a young player who has shown real potential in an NFL hungry for developmental talent.
    — Joe Buscaglia, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of developmental
Adjective
  • But, Stemler said, there isn’t much empirical data to show how pervasive this practice is, mostly just anecdotes.
    — Audrey McGlinchy, Los Angeles Times, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Allowing subjective confidence to silently acquire the epistemological status of empirical verification is neither verification nor evidence.
    — Hamilton Mann, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 2026
Definition of empirical
Adjective
  • These statements show a total disregard for confidentiality, basic investigative standards and the seriousness of ethics violations.
    — Collin Corbett, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026
  • On Thursday, Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office investigative and tactical teams served a high-risk search warrant at a residence in Salinas and took the suspect into custody.
    — Jason Green, Mercury News, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of investigative
Adjective
  • Her peerless ability to weave a story with keen observational skills and a guitar.
    — Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 26 Aug. 2026
  • While the study doesn’t prove that earlier menopause causes these brain changes, the observational findings add to existing evidence that the timing of menopause may be one factor that helps shape brain health later in life.
    — Emily Kay Votruba, EverydayHealth.com, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of observational
Adjective
  • The 70% preliminary expectation wildly exceeded projections for fiscal 2028 revenue of roughly $570 billion, or 44% growth from fiscal 2027 (the current year).
    — Amanda Gerut, Fortune, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Two small cedar trees were found snapped at the trunk, and that’s the extent of the storm damage, investigators said in a preliminary report.
    — Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of preliminary
Adjective
  • Drift and Fiscal Waste When governance lacks objective metrics and community centering, the real-world consequences are severe.
    — Aparna Rae, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026
  • This is where fantasy sports becomes more art than science, so let’s focus on the objective goals of weekly lineup construction first.
    — Sports Betting, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of objective
Adjective
  • The result is a system that, in the long term, could carry out sub hunting autonomously, but in the short term acts as an onboard co-pilot, freeing up human operators while doubling sonobuoy processing capacity.
    — David Szondy August 12, New Atlas, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Lemmon, 31, and her co-pilot Bland, 52, were killed in the crash, along with Barker’s assistant Baker, 29, and his bodyguard Still, 25.
    — Gillian Telling, PEOPLE, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of pilot

Browse Nearby Words

experiment
experimental
experimentation
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Cite this Entry

“Experimental.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/experimental. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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