hypothesize

verb

hy·​poth·​e·​size hī-ˈpä-thə-ˌsīz How to pronounce hypothesize (audio)
hypothesized; hypothesizing

transitive verb

: to adopt as a hypothesis

Examples of hypothesize in a Sentence

Psychologists hypothesized that his odd behavior was caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain. if we hypothesize that current population trends continue for the next 50 years
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
This behavior, hypothesized to help mimic male coloration, could encourage males to avoid seducing uninterested females. Jules Jacobs, Smithsonian Magazine, 7 May 2025 This finding led us to hypothesize that bats have early biases to pay attention to sounds associated with larger body size. Logan S. James, The Conversation, 29 Apr. 2025 Researchers observed a single skink at two of the three sites, one of which was in a tree, leading them to hypothesize the species may live in the forest canopy, making surveys more difficult and sightings rare, according to the study. Lauren Liebhaber, Miami Herald, 22 Apr. 2025 Once hypothesized as a jellyfish, fungus or even a giant protist, science now favors an animal interpretation. Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for hypothesize

Word History

First Known Use

1738, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of hypothesize was in 1738

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Hypothesize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hypothesize. Accessed 23 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

hypothesize

verb
hy·​poth·​e·​size hī-ˈpäth-ə-ˌsīz How to pronounce hypothesize (audio)
hypothesized; hypothesizing
1
: to make a hypothesis
2
: to adopt as a hypothesis
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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