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 of hypothesize

• say
• assume
• presume
• believe
• think

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

Thornton hypothesized at the time. — Emlyn Travis, Entertainment Weekly, 26 May 2026

That’s why some people are hypothesizing that vitamin D can slow aging. — Sohaib Imtiaz, Verywell Health, 28 June 2026

The researchers hypothesized that some of those surfaces would be more catalytically active than others. — Chris Lee, ArsTechnica, 9 June 2026

In the new study, the researchers hypothesize the bacterium may have jumped to humans from marmots, a kind of ground squirrel, remains of which were also found at the Siberian burial sites. — Jackie Flynn Mogensen, Scientific American, 17 June 2026

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