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 The partnership previously focused on experimental cinema, film restoration, and building the contemporary art museum’s moving-image collection. — News Desk, Artforum, 23 Oct. 2026 They have already been tested in experimental medical implants, including pacemakers powered by the beating hearts of animals. — New Atlas, 23 Oct. 2026 The selection embraces widely different approaches to filmmaking, from formally experimental work to more accessible independent productions, while exploring political upheaval, memory, exile and intimate family relationships. — Emiliano De Pablos, Variety, 23 Oct. 2026 This suite of experimental hardware won't just expand our understanding of the moon up close. — Chelsea Gohd, Space.com, 23 Oct. 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
  • The developmental flight test marked a significant step because the RIG-360 system and a PAC-3 missile communicated with each other during flight.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 21 Oct. 2026
  • Rookie Jack Strand's role as a developmental player won't change as long as the Falcons keep four quarterbacks.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 19 Oct. 2026
Definition of developmental
Adjective
  • During high-temperature runs conducted in September, engineers collected new empirical data to evaluate core behavior under extreme heat.
    — Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 22 Oct. 2026
  • The risks posed by obesity, however, are based on more empirical data.
    — Deidre McPhillips, CNN Money, 10 Oct. 2026
Definition of empirical
Adjective
  • Terrorism sentences are tougher, and counter-terrorism forces have greater investigative powers.
    — CNN Money, CNN Money, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Under California law, the governor may offer rewards of up to $50,000 in certain unsolved cases at the request of law enforcement agencies that have exhausted investigative leads.
    — Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of investigative
Adjective
  • The Swedish polymath explores the sounds, language, and imagery of Americana on a drolly observational singer-songwriter album.
    — Harry Thorfinn-George, Pitchfork, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Mike Elliott, senior director of Banner Sports Medicine High Performance Center, told Banner Health that most of the available research is observational and shows association rather than direct cause.
    — Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of observational
Adjective
  • Attendees asked engineers to provide preliminary cost estimates for street lighting running from the stadium connection north to Swepco Road.
    — Randy Moll, Arkansas Online, 26 Oct. 2026
  • In a statement, police said the preliminary investigation indicates that a fight broke out prior to the shooting.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 25 Oct. 2026
Definition of preliminary
Adjective
  • While everyday Democrats threw their hands up in the air and wondered what on earth was happening, Garland’s Justice Department hemmed and hawed about staying impartial, objective, and neutral in the face of violent authoritarianism.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 26 Oct. 2026
  • Ask for objective information that can be verified, rather than subjective advice, particularly in high-risk health contexts.
    — Robin Brewer, The Conversation, 26 Oct. 2026
Definition of objective
Adjective
  • In season two, his focus on co-pilot communications becomes an elaborate exploration of his own difficulties communicating with other people.
    — Kathryn VanArendonk, Vulture, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Everyone has a co-pilot license, a few motivated teams have built something useful, and the data foundation is partly there.
    — Shweta Gummidipudi, Forbes.com, 2 Oct. 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 27 Oct. 2026.

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