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

Zare and his colleagues hypothesized that this process might have generated some of the chemical building blocks for life on Earth. —Rachel Nuwer, Scientific American, 29 Sep. 2025

Thermodynamics drives selective recovery The researchers hypothesized that FJH combined with chlorine gas could exploit differences in Gibbs free energy and boiling points to selectively remove non-REE elements from magnet waste. —Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 29 Sep. 2025

Initially, the generals hypothesized that Gabreski was simply better at following orders. —Angus Fletcher, Big Think, 29 Sep. 2025

The sleep expert hypothesized that the benefits of a foot massage as part of a nightly routine may contribute to sleepiness more than the actual lotion. —Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 28 Sep. 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