hypothesize

verb

hy·​poth·​e·​size hī-ˈpä-thə-ˌsīz 

hypothesized; hypothesizing

intransitive verb

: to make a hypothesis

transitive verb

: to adopt as a hypothesis

Synonyms

• assume
• hypothecate
• postulate
• premise
• presume
• presuppose
• say
• suppose

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

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

Word History

First Known Use

1738, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Rhymes for hypothesize

• actualize
• antagonize
• apologise
• apologize
• capitalize
• categorize
• characterize
• commercialize
• conceptualize
• contrariwise
• criminalize
• decentralize

Kids Definition

hypothesize

verb

hy·​poth·​e·​size hī-ˈpäth-ə-ˌsīz 

hypothesized; hypothesizing

1

: to make a hypothesis

2

: to adopt as a hypothesis