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

• 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

Some hypothesized that an underwater landslide displaced the deep water. —Literary Hub, 22 Oct. 2025

Carlson and others hypothesize that the metabolic ceiling fundamentally reflects a limit in digestion and nutrient absorption, which fuel the body’s muscles. —Jason Dinh, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2025

Based on past animal studies, Stephan and her team hypothesized that this slow wave emanated from a spot deep in the brain. —Yasemin Saplakoglu, Quanta Magazine, 17 Oct. 2025

Using the ‘Mars Chamber’ For years, scientists have hypothesized that CO2 ice blocks play a role in forming these meandering gullies on Mars. —Chris Young, Interesting Engineering, 15 Oct. 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