experimental
7 synonyms and 1 antonym for experimental, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — Based on or used for testing new ideas; not yet proven or standard.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use experimental
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
experimental drug
experimental design
experimental music
Etymology
From experiment + the adjective ending -al.
Full origin of experimental →Frequently asked questions
What does “experimental” mean?
The word “experimental” means based on or used for testing new ideas; not yet proven or standard. In plain terms, something new and untested, done to see if it works.
How do you pronounce “experimental”?
“Experimental” is pronounced ihks-peh-ruh-MEHN-tuhl (/ɪkspɛɹəˈmɛntəl/ in IPA).
How do you use “experimental” in a sentence?
Here is “experimental” used in a sentence: “The hospital is trying an experimental treatment for the disease.”
What part of speech is “experimental”?
“Experimental” is an adjective.
Is “experimental” a common word?
“Experimental” is a fairly common word in modern English.
What is the difference between "experimental" and "empirical"?
"Experimental" describes something based on testing new, unproven ideas, while "empirical" describes knowledge gained from observation or experience rather than theory. An experimental treatment is still being tested, whereas empirical evidence is data already gathered from the real world.
What is the difference between "experimental" and "innovative"?
"Experimental" stresses that something is being tried out and is not yet proven or standard, so it may still fail. "Innovative" emphasises that something is new and inventive, usually with a more positive, successful connotation.
