theorize

verb

the·​o·​rize ˈthē-ə-ˌrīz 

ˈthir-ˌīz

theorized; theorizing

intransitive verb

: to form a theory : speculate

transitive verb

1

: to form a theory about

2

: to propose as a theory

theorization

ˌthē-ə-rə-ˈzā-shən 

ˌthir-ə-

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

After the usually chatty Grand Theft Auto 6 leaker went a full 24 hours without posting anything, many began to theorize Cyberleek’s spree was over, and they’d been shut down or caught after Take-Two’s relentless pursuit. — Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026

Some experts theorize that one of those reasons may be because of burnout from the job search. — Dana Taylor, USA Today, 21 Aug. 2026

Researchers have long theorized the black hole spins just like most other objects in the universe. — Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 19 Aug. 2026

There’s no need to theorize about what happened here because the obvious answer is Bret Easton Ellis signed off on the first two episodes and then abandoned the adaptation. — Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 13 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1644, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Rhymes for theorize

• advise
• applies
• apprise
• arise
• assize
• baptize
• belies
• bitwise
• capsize
• chastise
• chordwise
• clockwise

Kids Definition

theorize

verb

the·​o·​rize ˈthē-ə-ˌrīz 

theorized; theorizing

: to form a theory : speculate

theorizer noun