hypothesize

verb

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

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.
The researchers hypothesize that the sunbirds on the mainland might have dwindled at some point in the last few million years, and such a decline may have prompted the lipstick vines to evolve and branch out to other pollinators. Taylor Nicioli, CNN Money, 6 Feb. 2026 Interestingly, another basin recently discovered in Gabii showed structural similarities, leading archaeologists to hypothesize that these pools may have served a sacred purpose. Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 24 Jan. 2026 The team hypothesizes that the bats anchored themselves to landmarks in their environment, such as the coastline, the experimenters’ tents, and their perches. Yasemin Saplakoglu, Quanta Magazine, 21 Jan. 2026 The researchers hypothesize that the Atlantic Forest’s changing environment has led these species to develop a taste for human blood. Tom Hawking, Popular Science, 15 Jan. 2026 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

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Cite this Entry

“Hypothesize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hypothesize. Accessed 8 Feb. 2026.

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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