theorize

verb

the·​o·​rize ˈthē-ə-ˌrīz How to pronounce theorize (audio)
ˈthir-ˌīz
theorized; theorizing

transitive verb

1
: to form a theory about
2
: to propose as a theory
theorization noun
theorizer noun

Examples of theorize in a Sentence

Many scientists have theorized about the possibility of life on other planets.
Recent Examples on the Web While this may seem like a grab bag of unrelated aspects of cognition, Vinod Menon, the director of the Stanford Cognitive & Systems Neuroscience Laboratory, recently theorized that all of these functions may be helpful in constructing an internal narrative. Nora Bradford, WIRED, 3 Mar. 2024 The number of people walking their dogs seemed to have picked up, even as the day got colder; Winslet theorized, without resentment, that maybe word had gotten out. Susan Dominus, New York Times, 3 Mar. 2024 This curiosity seems to defy the teachings of Charles Darwin, who theorized that evolution discards what no longer serves the survival of a species. Robert Pearl, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2024 The late sociologist Erving Goffman used the allegory of the theater to theorize about everyone’s behavior, not just performers. Mankaprr Conteh, Rolling Stone, 24 Feb. 2024 Researchers theorize that dimorphous reactions occur as a way to regulate emotions when a person becomes overwhelmed. Emilie Le Beau Lucchesi, Discover Magazine, 21 Feb. 2024 The eggs became overgrown with microscopic algae within weeks, providing camouflage that the researchers theorized is what had made the process so rare to observe. Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 20 Feb. 2024 That is, much like how the passengers on the boat theorized together about the plot’s mystery, the creatives behind the scenes gathered their notes as well to figure out how the script would come to life. Anhar Karim, Forbes, 18 Feb. 2024 Leave a comment View Comments Researchers also theorized that martial artist and actor Bruce Lee died from hyponatremia, according to a March 2022 study. Taylor Nicioli, CNN, 18 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'theorize.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1638, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of theorize was in 1638

Dictionary Entries Near theorize

Cite this Entry

“Theorize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/theorize. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

theorize

verb
the·​o·​rize ˈthē-ə-ˌrīz How to pronounce theorize (audio)
theorized; theorizing
: to form a theory : speculate
theorizer noun
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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